Pittsburgh, PA, and Milwaukee, WI offer distinctive lifestyles depending on what you value most. Both cities have rich histories, dynamic sports scenes, and iconic American cuisine, but give unique experiences in terms of crime, weather, cost of living, education, work and economy, infrastructure, and healthcare. This comprehensive analysis aims to highlight the differences and similarities between living or visiting these cities.
Distance between
Milwaukee, WI and
Pittsburgh, PA : 448.8 miles
Milwaukee's population is larger by 90%. Its population has decreased by 27,644 people (4.6%) since 2000. The population of Pittsburgh has decreased by 34,132 people (10.2%) during that time.
Neither city is exempt from crime, but they show different trends. Although the overall crime rate in Milwaukee is higher than the national average, recent police data indicates a significant decrease in both violent and property crimes. Pittsburgh’s total crime rate is lower than Milwaukee's but still slightly above the national average. Neighborhoods in both cities have committed to citizen safety initiatives and maintain the region's overall safety. It's essential for future residents or visitors to remain vigilant in certain areas after dark.
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 699 registered sex offenders living in . The ratio of residents to sex offenders in Milwaukee is 248 to 1; the ratio in Pittsburgh is 434 to 1. The number of registered sex offenders compared to the number of residents is larger in Milwaukee than in Pittsburgh.
Cost of Living
In terms of cost of living, Milwaukee fares better than Pittsburgh. Rent and real estate are generally cheaper in Milwaukee, as are the prices for groceries and other everyday items. The significant difference in living costs is primarily due to housing costs in Pittsburgh being relatively high compared to the national average.
Income Tax
Pennsylvania has a flat state income tax rate of 3.07%. Pittsburgh adds an additional local income tax of 1%. So, the total in Pittsburgh is 4.07%. Wisconsin has a progressive income tax system with rates varying between 4% and 7.65%. Milwaukee does not impose a local income tax, so max state tax is the limit.
Property Tax
Milwaukee's property tax rates are significantly higher than Pittsburgh's. The typical homeowner in Milwaukee County pays almost twice in property taxes compared to the average homeowner in Allegheny County (where Pittsburgh is located).
Sales Tax
Wisconsin has a lower state sales tax rate at 5% compared to Pennsylvania's 6%, but total sales taxes can be higher depending on local municipalities in both cities. Both Milwaukee and Pittsburgh exempt unprepared food, prescription drugs, and certain other items from sales taxes.
Income
Type
Milwaukee
Pittsburgh
Estimated median household income
$46,637
$57,821
Estimated per capita income
$26,998
$39,779
Cost of living index (U.S. average is 100)
97.5
95.2
If you make $50,000 in Pittsburgh, you will have to make $51,208 in Milwaukee to maintain the same standard of living.
Geographical Conditions
Milwaukee is on the western shore of Lake Michigan, with a flat topography. Pittsburgh is situated where the Monongahela and Allegheny rivers meet to form the Ohio River, known for its 'Three Rivers' and the hilly terrain offers stunning views of the cityscape.
Pittsburgh is home to renowned educational institutions like Carnegie Mellon University and the University of Pittsburgh. In contrast, Milwaukee houses the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee and Marquette University. Both cities have robust public school systems, but Pittsburgh often receives higher ratings for school quality and educational resources.
Pittsburgh's economy's strengths lie in healthcare, education, technology, robotics, fashion, and financial services, whereas Milwaukee's economy is diverse, featuring manufacturing, healthcare, education, and financial services. Both cities exhibit steady economic growth and promise job opportunities, albeit in different sectors.
Biggest Employers
Some of Milwaukee's biggest employers include Aurora Health Care, Kohl's, and Harley-Davidson. In contrast, Pittsburgh's prominent employers are UPMC-Presbyterian Shadyside, University of Pittsburgh, and Allegheny Technologies.
There were 28 building permits issued in Milwaukee in 2012 (103 less than in 2011) compared to 198 building permits issued in Pittsburgh in 2012 (86 less than in 2011).
In Milwaukee (Milwaukee County), 67.8% voted for Democrats and 31.6% for Republicans in 2012 Presidential Election. In Pittsburgh (Allegheny County), 56.5% voted for Democrats and 42.0% for Republicans.
Elections
Type
Democrats
Republicans
Other
Year
Milwaukee
Pittsburgh
Milwaukee
Pittsburgh
Milwaukee
Pittsburgh
2020
69.3%
59.4%
29.4%
39.0%
1.3%
1.5%
2016
65.6%
55.9%
28.6%
39.5%
5.8%
4.6%
2012
67.8%
56.5%
31.6%
42.0%
0.5%
1.5%
2008
67.8%
57.1%
31.7%
41.7%
0.5%
1.2%
2004
62.0%
57.2%
37.5%
42.2%
0.5%
0.6%
2000
58.5%
56.6%
37.9%
40.4%
3.6%
2.9%
1996
58.3%
52.8%
32.2%
37.9%
9.5%
9.3%
Breakdown of population affiliated with a religious congregation
Type
Adherents
Congregations
Religion
Milwaukee
Pittsburgh
Milwaukee
Pittsburgh
CATHOLIC CHURCH
21.0%
37.7%
10.8%
15.6%
LUTHERAN CHURCH
3.0%
0.3%
5.9%
1.8%
EVANGELICAL LUTHERAN CHURCH IN AMERICA
2.4%
2.0%
6.7%
6.7%
WISCONSIN EVANGELICAL LUTHERAN SYNOD
2.2%
0.0%
6.0%
0.1%
SOUTHERN BAPTIST CONVENTION
1.3%
0.2%
4.3%
2.8%
MUSLIM ESTIMATE
1.0%
0.5%
1.1%
0.9%
AMERICAN BAPTIST CHURCHES IN THE USA
0.7%
1.4%
3.1%
3.7%
EPISCOPAL CHURCH
0.4%
0.6%
1.7%
1.7%
SALVATION ARMY
0.2%
0.3%
0.5%
0.8%
Weather
Wisconsin experiences harsher winters with beautiful, snow-covered landscapes often persisting until spring. Milwaukee's summer months are comfortably warm, perfect for exploring the beautiful coastline of Lake Michigan. Pittsburgh also experiences cold winters but springs and summers are often milder and less humid. The city's geography leads to it having unique microclimates, so conditions can vary throughout the area.
Weather and climate
Type
Milwaukee
Pittsburgh
Temperature - Average
48.1°F
51.3°F
Humidity - Average morning or afternoon humidity
77%
73.7%
Humidity - Differences between morning and afternoon humidity
26%
36%
Humidity - Maximum monthly morning or afternoon humidity
85%
86%
Humidity - Minimum monthly morning or afternoon humidity
59%
50%
Precipitation - Yearly average
33.3 in
38.6 in
Snowfall - Yearly average
95.8 in
87.7 in
Clouds - Number of days clear of clouds
14.9%
9.8%
Sunshine amount - Average
57.6%
46%
Sunshine amount - Differences during a year
34%
31%
Sunshine amount - Maximum monthly
69%
54%
Sunshine amount - Minimum monthly
35%
23%
Wind speed - Average
11 mph
8.5 mph
Average climate in Milwaukee, Wisconsin
Average climate in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
Air pollution
Type
AQI
CO
NO2
OZONE
PB
PM10
PM25
SO2
Year
Milwaukee
Pittsburgh
Milwaukee
Pittsburgh
Milwaukee
Pittsburgh
Milwaukee
Pittsburgh
Milwaukee
Pittsburgh
Milwaukee
Pittsburgh
Milwaukee
Pittsburgh
Milwaukee
Pittsburgh
2018
84
105
N/A
0.26
8.8
5.7
28.2
24.7
N/A
N/A
15.3
15.1
7.8
11.8
0.2
0.6
2017
80
102
N/A
0.25
8.9
5.7
27.7
26.2
N/A
N/A
14.3
16.4
6.9
9.5
0.3
0.6
2016
86
100
N/A
0.27
9.4
6.5
27.0
25.9
N/A
0.002
15.0
15.6
7.4
10.4
1.2
0.7
2015
78
110
N/A
0.26
9.6
7.5
27.2
24.8
N/A
0.007
14.9
18.6
7.8
11.0
1.1
1.0
2014
89
107
N/A
0.30
9.9
9.3
26.0
23.1
N/A
0.042
15.4
18.1
9.2
10.4
1.0
1.2
2013
81
99
N/A
0.27
10.4
10.8
26.9
25.1
N/A
0.164
15.4
16.6
9.6
10.3
0.7
2.4
2012
108
120
N/A
0.33
11.5
13.0
28.3
25.4
N/A
N/A
17.2
19.5
9.6
10.3
1.0
2.5
2011
95
118
N/A
0.29
11.4
13.3
27.3
24.5
N/A
N/A
16.2
16.6
10.1
12.2
1.2
2.6
2010
83
151
N/A
0.37
12.9
13.6
26.9
24.5
N/A
N/A
N/A
20.2
N/A
12.1
N/A
5.0
2009
69
129
N/A
0.23
12.2
12.9
23.7
23.0
N/A
0.017
N/A
18.5
N/A
14.9
N/A
4.0
2008
61
135
N/A
0.26
12.4
16.1
24.6
22.3
N/A
0.017
17.3
20.6
N/A
16.7
N/A
4.8
2007
80
140
N/A
0.39
14.2
15.6
24.1
22.8
N/A
0.010
19.9
21.7
N/A
19.0
N/A
5.9
2006
66
149
0.35
0.35
14.7
16.2
22.8
20.2
0.017
0.028
19.9
19.3
N/A
16.1
2.6
6.6
2005
99
107
0.36
0.33
16.6
19.1
25.1
20.0
0.015
0.031
25.4
20.9
N/A
N/A
3.1
7.4
2004
75
93
0.41
0.41
16.6
18.9
21.2
19.7
0.011
0.019
21.4
21.0
N/A
N/A
3.3
6.6
2003
76
102
0.41
0.36
16.7
19.6
27.1
21.3
0.017
0.032
N/A
21.3
N/A
N/A
3.3
8.7
2002
92
111
0.40
0.32
N/A
20.1
28.9
21.7
0.018
0.017
N/A
20.2
N/A
N/A
3.7
9.2
2001
96
107
0.34
0.60
15.8
21.2
28.3
21.1
0.020
0.017
N/A
26.0
N/A
N/A
3.0
8.5
2000
84
102
0.29
0.62
16.5
22.0
27.0
19.8
0.018
0.016
N/A
22.8
N/A
N/A
3.4
9.1
Natural disasters
Type
Milwaukee
Pittsburgh
Tornado activity compared to U.S. average
118.1%
80.2%
Earthquake activity compared to U.S. average
109.3%
44.6%
Natural disasters compared to U.S. average
19%
15%
Transportation
Milwaukee offers robust public transportation with its Milwaukee County Transit System, although residents still strongly rely on cars. Pittsburgh has more varied public transportation through the Port Authority, offering buses, light rail (The T), and even inclines due to its hilly geography. Both cities are bike-friendly and working towards improving their public transit systems.
Transport
Type
Milwaukee
Pittsburgh
Amtrak stations
1
1
Amtrak stations nearby
1
1
FAA registered aircraft
202
233
FAA registered aircraft manufacturers and dealers
1
3
Means of transportation to work
Type
Milwaukee
Pittsburgh
Bicycle
0.5%
0.8%
Bus
4.2%
9.3%
Carpooled
8.4%
7.4%
Car alone
81.1%
74%
Railroad
0%
0.7%
Streetcar
0%
0.6%
Taxicab
0.2%
0.1%
Walked
3.9%
4.8%
Average travel time to work
Type
Milwaukee
Pittsburgh
Average
24.2 min
31 min
Other means
21.1 min
21.6 min
Public transportation
40.3 min
33.4 min
Private vehicle occupancy
Type
Milwaukee
Pittsburgh
Average
1.2
1.1
Drove alone
88.7%
90.3%
In 2 person carpool
8.4%
8%
In 3 person carpool
1.6%
0.8%
In 4 person carpool
0.7%
0.5%
In 5-6 person carpool
0.4%
0%
In 7+ person carpool
0.1%
0.3%
How many people usually rode to work in the car, truck or van.
Real Estate
While both cities have reasonably affordable housing compared to other major U.S cities, Milwaukee has median property values lower than Pittsburgh. Pittsburgh though offers a slightly higher potential for real estate investment, with property values consistently on the rise.
Neighborhoods
Milwaukee and Pittsburgh boast ethnically diverse neighborhoods with rich histories. Milwaukee's German and Polish influences are evident in areas like Riverwest and Bay View, with some coastal neighborhoods providing beautiful views of Lake Michigan. Pittsburgh's neighborhoods like Squirrel Hill and the Strip District, reflect the city's steel mill history alongside new contemporary city living experiences.
Houses and residents
Type
Milwaukee
Pittsburgh
Houses
257,812
159,435
Average household size (people)
2.5
2.1
Median year apartment built
1956
1954
Length of stay in the house since moving in
14.1 years
16.4 years
Houses occupied
232,362 (90.1%)
136,747 (85.8%)
Houses occupied by owners
96,044 (41.3%)
66,729 (48.8%)
Houses occupied by renters
136,318 (58.7%)
70,018 (51.2%)
Median rent asked for vacant for-rent units
$854.05
$1,381
Median monthly housing costs
$965
$985
Median price asked for vacant for-sale houses and condos
$172,751
$325,759
Estimated median house or condo value
$160,100
$181,100
Median numbers of rooms
4.9
5.2
Median number of rooms in apartments
4.3
4
Median number of rooms in houses and condos
5.7
6.3
Median house price - detached houses
$177,554
$256,260
Median house price - in 2-unit structures
$161,248
$174,463
Median house price - in 3-to-4-unit structures
$178,933
$299,629
Median house price - in 5 or more unit structures
$222,376
$310,273
Median house price - mobile homes
$67,466
$187,764
Median house price - Townhouses or other attached units
$171,473
$258,331
Median house price - All housing units
$176,965
$257,793
Median house age
68
80
Renting percentage
56.4%
52.4%
Housing density (houses/condos per square mile)
2,683.8
2,868.3
House value disparities
33%
43.1%
Household income disparities
46.1%
49.5%
Median household income for houses/condes with a mortgage
$72,490
$97,230
Median household income for apartments without a mortgage
$53,843
$58,579
Housing units without a mortgage
1,800 (2.8%)
2,260 (5.6%)
Housing units with both a second mortgage and home equity loan
3,918 (6.2%)
4,417 (11%)
Housing units with a mortgage
61,602 (97.2%)
37,784 (94.4%)
Housing units with a home equity loan
270 (0.4%)
297 (0.7%)
Housing units with a second mortgage
5,023 (7.9%)
4,975 (12.4%)
House/condo owner moved in on average (years ago)
13
15
House/condo renter moved in on average (years ago)
1
1
Housing units lacking complete kitchen facilities
4.5%
3%
Housing units lacking complete plumbing facilities
1.1%
2.8%
Housing units in structures
Housing units in structures
Milwaukee
Pittsburgh
One, detached
38.9%
43.7%
One, attached
4.5%
15.6%
Two
23.5%
8.9%
3 or 4
6.3%
6.2%
5 to 9
6.3%
4.8%
10 to 19
4.1%
4.3%
20 to 49
6.6%
4.3%
50 or more
9.5%
11.5%
Mobile homes
0.3%
0.6%
Median real estate property taxes paid for housing units
Self-employed workers in own not incorporated business
10,069
5,977
State government workers
7,334
5,427
Unpaid family workers
199
73
Industries and Occupations
Healthcare and education are big employers in both Pittsburgh and Milwaukee. Manufacturing still plays a significant role in Milwaukee’s economy with companies like Harley-Davidson. Pittsburgh, once a leading steel producer, has transitioned to technology with companies like Google and Facebook setting up offices there.
Both cities provide excellent healthcare services, yet Pittsburgh takes the lead due to the presence of UPMC, a top-ranked healthcare provider and researcher. Milwaukee also has reputable hospitals like Froedtert Hospital and the Children's Hospital of Wisconsin.
Health (county statistics)
Type
Milwaukee
Pittsburgh
General health status score of residents in this county from 1 (poor) to 5 (excellent)
Both cities have well-established infrastructures but they differ in layout. Milwaukee has a more grid-like street design and Pittsburgh, dubbed "the city of bridges," has over 400 bridges and a confusing but charming triangular street pattern due to its complex terrain.
Infrastructure
Type
Milwaukee
Pittsburgh
Hospitals
29
41
TV stations
17
22
Arenas or stadiums
3
3
Bank branches located here
146
250
Bank institutions located here
29
27
Main business address for public companies
32
37
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
Pittsburgh
1999
1,506
576
2000
1,666
539
2001
1,410
443
2002
1,157
378
2003
1,641
523
2004
2,251
614
2005
3,325
761
2006
4,218
807
2007
2,555
671
2008
719
347
2009
456
210
Culture and Food
Both cities have rich culinary and cultural scenes thanks to their diverse immigrant histories. Milwaukee is known for its beer and bratwurst, reflecting its German heritage. It also hosts the world's largest music festival, Summerfest. Pittsburgh offers a diversity of cultural institutions, including the Carnegie Museums and Andy Warhol Museum. Its food scene is known for the iconic Primanti Bros. sandwich and pierogi.
Sports Teams
Milwaukee and Pittsburgh have dedicated sports fans. Milwaukee is home to the Milwaukee Brewers (MLB), Milwaukee Bucks (NBA), and Green Bay Packers (NFL) within close proximity. Pittsburgh houses the Pittsburgh Steelers (NFL), Pittsburgh Penguins (NHL), and Pittsburgh Pirates (MLB).
Milwaukee, WI
Pittsburgh, PA
Milwaukee, WI and 
Pittsburgh, PA : 448.8 miles
