Milwaukee and Cleveland are two midwestern cities with a rich history and vibrant culture. While both cities provide unique living experiences, they have distinct differences that influence residents' and tourists' experiences. Factors such as crime/safety, weather, cost of living, education, work & economy, and infrastructure play significant roles in life in both cities.
Distance between
Milwaukee, WI and
Cleveland, OH : 339.1 miles
Milwaukee's population is larger by 55%. Its population has decreased by 27,644 people (4.6%) since 2000. The population of Cleveland has decreased by 110,412 people (23.1%) during that time.
Crime rates in both Milwaukee, WI, and Cleveland, OH, are higher compared to the national average. Depending on your neighborhood, this may have a more significant impact. Fortunately, both cities are investing in public safety, and specific areas have reported declining crime rates over time. Before moving, it is essential to research each neighborhood's crime rates and speak with residents about their experiences.
City-data.com crime index counts serious crimes and violent crime more heavily. It adjusts for the number of visitors and daily workers commuting into cities. (higher means more crime, U.S. average = 301.1)
City-data.com crime index counts serious crimes and violent crime more heavily. It adjusts for the number of visitors and daily workers commuting into cities. (higher means more crime, U.S. average = 301.1)
Sex Offenders
According to our data, there are 2,401 registered sex offenders living in Milwaukee and 1,976 registered sex offenders living in . The ratio of residents to sex offenders in Milwaukee is 248 to 1; the ratio in Cleveland is 195 to 1. The number of registered sex offenders compared to the number of residents is a smaller in Milwaukee than in Cleveland.
Cost of Living
When comparing the cost of living, Milwaukee is generally cheaper than Cleveland. This difference extends to housing, groceries, and healthcare. However, while Milwaukee offers a lower cost of living general, the disparity isn't staggering and cost of living can vary widely depending on neighborhood and lifestyle.
Income Tax
Wisconsin has a progressive income tax which ranges from 4% to 7.65%. Likewise, Ohio also has a progressive income tax that ranges from 0% to 4.797%. Additionally, Cleveland imposes a city income tax of 2.5%.
Property Tax
In general, Wisconsin has higher property taxes than Ohio. In Milwaukee, the average property tax is 2.17% of the home's fair market value, while in Cleveland, it's around 2.10%.
Sales Tax
Wisconsin's state sales tax of 5% is lower than Ohio's state sales tax of 5.75%. However, Milwaukee adds a county tax of 0.5%, making the total sales tax 5.5%, still a bit lower than in Cleveland.
Income
Type
Milwaukee
Cleveland
Estimated median household income
$46,637
$35,562
Estimated per capita income
$26,998
$24,093
Cost of living index (U.S. average is 100)
97.5
94.3
If you make $50,000 in Cleveland, you will have to make $51,697 in Milwaukee to maintain the same standard of living.
Geographical Conditions
Milwaukee is located on Lake Michigan's western shore and features numerous parks and access to water activities. Cleveland, on the southern shore of Lake Erie, offers beautiful lake views, nature reserves, and riverfront areas.
Both cities are home to several highly regarded universities and colleges. Milwaukee has the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee and Marquette University, while Cleveland hosts Case Western Reserve University and Cleveland State University. In terms of primary and secondary education, both cities have diverse options including public, private and charter schools.
Cleveland's economy relies heavily on healthcare and medical research, with Cleveland Clinic and University Hospitals being major employers. Milwaukee's economy is more diverse, with manufacturing, healthcare, and education being the leading sectors. Both cities are looking to grow sectors like technology and entrepreneurship.
Biggest Employers
The largest employers in Milwaukee include Aurora Health Care, Ascension Wisconsin, and Milwaukee Public Schools. In Cleveland, the Cleveland Clinic, University Hospitals, and the government are among the top employers.
There were 28 building permits issued in Milwaukee in 2012 (103 less than in 2011) compared to 104 building permits issued in Cleveland in 2012 (18 more than in 2011).
In Milwaukee (Milwaukee County), 67.8% voted for Democrats and 31.6% for Republicans in 2012 Presidential Election. In Cleveland (Cuyahoga County), 69.7% voted for Democrats and 29.7% for Republicans.
Elections
Type
Democrats
Republicans
Other
Year
Milwaukee
Cleveland
Milwaukee
Cleveland
Milwaukee
Cleveland
2020
69.3%
66.5%
29.4%
32.4%
1.3%
1.1%
2016
65.6%
65.5%
28.6%
30.3%
5.8%
4.1%
2012
67.8%
69.7%
31.6%
29.7%
0.5%
0.5%
2008
67.8%
69.1%
31.7%
30.1%
0.5%
0.8%
2004
62.0%
66.6%
37.5%
32.9%
0.5%
0.5%
2000
58.5%
62.9%
37.9%
33.6%
3.6%
3.5%
1996
58.3%
60.8%
32.2%
29.1%
9.5%
10.1%
Breakdown of population affiliated with a religious congregation
Type
Adherents
Congregations
Religion
Milwaukee
Cleveland
Milwaukee
Cleveland
CATHOLIC CHURCH
21.0%
28.6%
10.8%
11.3%
LUTHERAN CHURCH
3.0%
1.4%
5.9%
4.0%
EVANGELICAL LUTHERAN CHURCH IN AMERICA
2.4%
1.1%
6.7%
3.9%
WISCONSIN EVANGELICAL LUTHERAN SYNOD
2.2%
0.0%
6.0%
0.1%
SOUTHERN BAPTIST CONVENTION
1.3%
0.4%
4.3%
3.0%
MUSLIM ESTIMATE
1.0%
0.3%
1.1%
1.4%
AMERICAN BAPTIST CHURCHES IN THE USA
0.7%
1.6%
3.1%
3.2%
EPISCOPAL CHURCH
0.4%
0.6%
1.7%
2.2%
SEVENTH DAY ADVENTIST CHURCH
0.3%
0.4%
1.3%
1.6%
Weather
Both Milwaukee and Cleveland experience all four seasons, with cold, snowy winters and moderate summers. However, Milwaukee's proximity to Lake Michigan can lead to lake-effect snow, which can sometimes result in heavier snowfall than Cleveland. Cleveland, too, sees lake-effect snow from Lake Erie but tends to have slightly milder winters.
Weather and climate
Type
Milwaukee
Cleveland
Temperature - Average
48.1°F
50.1°F
Humidity - Average morning or afternoon humidity
77%
75.8%
Humidity - Differences between morning and afternoon humidity
26%
27%
Humidity - Maximum monthly morning or afternoon humidity
85%
83%
Humidity - Minimum monthly morning or afternoon humidity
59%
56%
Precipitation - Yearly average
33.3 in
38.5 in
Snowfall - Yearly average
95.8 in
115.9 in
Clouds - Number of days clear of clouds
14.9%
11.2%
Sunshine amount - Average
57.6%
51.8%
Sunshine amount - Differences during a year
34%
44%
Sunshine amount - Maximum monthly
69%
66%
Sunshine amount - Minimum monthly
35%
22%
Wind speed - Average
11 mph
10.4 mph
Average climate in Milwaukee, Wisconsin
Average climate in Cleveland, Ohio
Air pollution
Type
AQI
CO
NO2
OZONE
PB
PM10
PM25
SO2
Year
Milwaukee
Cleveland
Milwaukee
Cleveland
Milwaukee
Cleveland
Milwaukee
Cleveland
Milwaukee
Milwaukee
Cleveland
Milwaukee
Cleveland
Milwaukee
Cleveland
2018
84
85
N/A
0.26
8.8
11.3
28.2
26.9
N/A
N/A
15.3
22.7
7.8
9.3
0.2
0.6
2017
80
82
N/A
0.27
8.9
11.4
27.7
27.6
N/A
N/A
14.3
23.2
6.9
8.2
0.3
0.5
2016
86
81
N/A
0.27
9.4
11.1
27.0
27.1
N/A
N/A
15.0
23.4
7.4
9.9
1.2
1.0
2015
78
76
N/A
0.27
9.6
12.9
27.2
25.1
N/A
N/A
14.9
31.5
7.8
8.0
1.1
1.9
2014
89
83
N/A
0.25
9.9
12.3
26.0
23.7
N/A
N/A
15.4
28.4
9.2
10.6
1.0
1.7
2013
81
88
N/A
0.24
10.4
12.9
26.9
23.8
N/A
N/A
15.4
27.3
9.6
12.0
0.7
1.9
2012
108
119
N/A
0.28
11.5
13.7
28.3
26.5
N/A
N/A
17.2
32.0
9.6
15.2
1.0
2.5
2011
95
110
N/A
0.29
11.4
15.3
27.3
25.8
N/A
N/A
16.2
29.7
10.1
16.1
1.2
3.4
2010
83
113
N/A
0.35
12.9
15.8
26.9
27.0
N/A
N/A
N/A
24.2
N/A
18.7
N/A
3.6
2009
69
67
N/A
0.37
12.2
17.1
23.7
26.0
N/A
N/A
N/A
21.5
N/A
N/A
N/A
3.7
2008
61
87
N/A
0.29
12.4
15.2
24.6
32.9
N/A
N/A
17.3
27.1
N/A
N/A
N/A
4.2
2007
80
94
N/A
0.29
14.2
18.1
24.1
32.9
N/A
N/A
19.9
30.3
N/A
N/A
N/A
5.2
2006
66
75
0.35
0.25
14.7
16.2
22.8
27.7
0.017
N/A
19.9
27.3
N/A
N/A
2.6
5.0
2005
99
98
0.36
0.27
16.6
19.2
25.1
28.6
0.015
N/A
25.4
31.7
N/A
N/A
3.1
5.7
2004
75
77
0.41
0.47
16.6
19.5
21.2
20.1
0.011
N/A
21.4
29.2
N/A
N/A
3.3
3.8
2003
76
81
0.41
0.49
16.7
19.6
27.1
25.8
0.017
N/A
N/A
28.3
N/A
N/A
3.3
5.7
2002
92
95
0.40
0.40
N/A
19.8
28.9
28.6
0.018
N/A
N/A
32.5
N/A
N/A
3.7
5.1
2001
96
91
0.34
0.43
15.8
21.1
28.3
28.4
0.020
N/A
N/A
35.9
N/A
N/A
3.0
5.9
2000
84
79
0.29
0.48
16.5
20.5
27.0
25.2
0.018
N/A
N/A
35.9
N/A
N/A
3.4
5.8
Natural disasters
Type
Milwaukee
Cleveland
Tornado activity compared to U.S. average
118.1%
93%
Earthquake activity compared to U.S. average
109.3%
50.2%
Natural disasters compared to U.S. average
19%
16%
Transportation
Both cities offer public transit, but Cleveland has a more extensive system that includes buses and light rail service. Milwaukee's public transportation consists primarily of buses, though the city also has The Hop, a modern streetcar, that compress a 2-mile route connecting downtown areas.
Transport
Type
Milwaukee
Cleveland
Amtrak stations
1
1
Amtrak stations nearby
1
1
FAA registered aircraft
202
307
FAA registered aircraft manufacturers and dealers
1
19
Means of transportation to work
Type
Milwaukee
Cleveland
Bicycle
0.5%
0.2%
Bus
4.2%
3.5%
Carpooled
8.4%
7.7%
Car alone
81.1%
83.1%
Railroad
0%
0.1%
Streetcar
0%
0.4%
Taxicab
0.2%
0.1%
Walked
3.9%
3.9%
Average travel time to work
Type
Milwaukee
Cleveland
Average
24.2 min
28.9 min
Other means
21.1 min
23.2 min
Public transportation
40.3 min
42.9 min
Private vehicle occupancy
Type
Milwaukee
Cleveland
Average
1.2
1.2
Drove alone
88.7%
87.9%
In 2 person carpool
8.4%
10.3%
In 3 person carpool
1.6%
1%
In 4 person carpool
0.7%
0.4%
In 5-6 person carpool
0.4%
0.1%
In 7+ person carpool
0.1%
0.3%
How many people usually rode to work in the car, truck or van.
Real Estate
The real estate market is generally more affordable in Milwaukee, with overall lower home and rental prices. Cleveland has higher real estate prices, but also offers a wide range of housing options, from downtown apartments to suburban homes.
Neighborhoods
Certain Milwaukee neighborhoods, like Bay View and Riverwest, offer a mix of city and suburban feeling. In Cleveland, you'll find vibrant neighborhoods like Tremont and Ohio City.
Houses and residents
Type
Milwaukee
Cleveland
Houses
257,812
202,735
Average household size (people)
2.5
2.3
Median year apartment built
1956
1946
Length of stay in the house since moving in
14.1 years
17.5 years
Houses occupied
232,362 (90.1%)
171,321 (84.5%)
Houses occupied by owners
96,044 (41.3%)
67,039 (39.1%)
Houses occupied by renters
136,318 (58.7%)
104,282 (60.9%)
Median rent asked for vacant for-rent units
$854.05
$1,284
Median monthly housing costs
$965
$754
Median price asked for vacant for-sale houses and condos
$172,751
$86,306
Estimated median house or condo value
$160,100
$83,400
Median numbers of rooms
4.9
5.2
Median number of rooms in apartments
4.3
4.4
Median number of rooms in houses and condos
5.7
6.3
Median house price - detached houses
$177,554
$104,861
Median house price - in 2-unit structures
$161,248
$81,957
Median house price - in 3-to-4-unit structures
$178,933
$250,787
Median house price - in 5 or more unit structures
$222,376
$156,467
Median house price - mobile homes
$67,466
$40,340
Median house price - Townhouses or other attached units
$171,473
$125,938
Median house price - All housing units
$176,965
$105,403
Median house age
68
80
Renting percentage
56.4%
55.9%
Housing density (houses/condos per square mile)
2,683.8
2,613.2
House value disparities
33%
41.6%
Household income disparities
46.1%
48.5%
Median household income for houses/condes with a mortgage
$72,490
$61,885
Median household income for apartments without a mortgage
$53,843
$42,551
Housing units without a mortgage
1,800 (2.8%)
2,325 (6.3%)
Housing units with both a second mortgage and home equity loan
3,918 (6.2%)
2,348 (6.4%)
Housing units with a mortgage
61,602 (97.2%)
34,401 (93.7%)
Housing units with a home equity loan
270 (0.4%)
166 (0.5%)
Housing units with a second mortgage
5,023 (7.9%)
3,335 (9.1%)
House/condo owner moved in on average (years ago)
13
19
House/condo renter moved in on average (years ago)
1
3
Housing units lacking complete kitchen facilities
4.5%
8.8%
Housing units lacking complete plumbing facilities
1.1%
5.1%
Housing units in structures
Housing units in structures
Milwaukee
Cleveland
One, detached
38.9%
48.7%
One, attached
4.5%
5.6%
Two
23.5%
14.7%
3 or 4
6.3%
5.2%
5 to 9
6.3%
5.0%
10 to 19
4.1%
3.8%
20 to 49
6.6%
3.3%
50 or more
9.5%
13.1%
Mobile homes
0.3%
0.4%
Boats, RVs, vans, etc.
0.0%
0.1%
Median real estate property taxes paid for housing units
Self-employed workers in own not incorporated business
10,069
7,246
State government workers
7,334
2,212
Unpaid family workers
199
328
Industries and Occupations
Major industries in Milwaukee include manufacturing, healthcare, education, and finance, with companies like Harley-Davidson and Northwestern Mutual headquartered there. Cleveland is a healthcare hub, with other significant industries including education, manufacturing, and finance.
Cleveland is renowned for its healthcare institutions, specifically the Cleveland Clinic, one of the top hospitals in the country. Milwaukee also offers quality healthcare with leading hospitals like Froedtert Hospital and the Children’s Hospital of Wisconsin.
Health (county statistics)
Type
Milwaukee
Cleveland
General health status score of residents in this county from 1 (poor) to 5 (excellent)
In terms of infrastructure, both cities have invested in revitalizing downtown areas and creating welcoming public spaces. Cleveland has the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame and the rejuvenated Flats East Bank, while Milwaukee boasts a beautiful lakefront and the Milwaukee Riverwalk.
Infrastructure
Type
Milwaukee
Cleveland
Hospitals
29
30
TV stations
17
16
Arenas or stadiums
3
4
Bank branches located here
146
116
Bank institutions located here
29
17
Main business address for public companies
32
31
Drinking water stations with no reported violations in the past
24
1
Drinking water stations with reported violations in the past
HMDA - Conventional home purchase loans - Applications denied
Year
Milwaukee
Cleveland
1999
1,506
1,871
2000
1,666
2,587
2001
1,410
2,077
2002
1,157
1,561
2003
1,641
1,242
2004
2,251
1,561
2005
3,325
3,297
2006
4,218
3,951
2007
2,555
2,211
2008
719
482
2009
456
184
Culture and Food
Milwaukee is famous for its beer history, having been the home of several major breweries, and its German heritage is reflected in many traditional dishes. Cleveland, with its diverse immigrant communities, offers an extensive range of ethnic cuisines.
Sports Teams
Sports fans will find a lot to love in both cities. Milwaukee hosts the NBA's Bucks and the MLB's Brewers. Cleveland is home to the NBA's Cavaliers, the NFL's Browns, and the MLB's Indians.
Milwaukee, WI
Cleveland, OH
Milwaukee, WI and 
Cleveland, OH : 339.1 miles
