Milwaukee, Wisconsin, and Virginia Beach, Virginia, are two distinctive cities offering unique lifestyles, opportunities, and experiences. While Milwaukee provides a Midwestern charm with a rich brewing history and energized urban lifestyle, Virginia Beach reveals a coastal vibe filled with pristine beaches and naval history. Each city has its own unique attributes, including variations in crime rates, weather patterns, cost of living, education, and economy, which play a substantial role in influencing one's decision to relocate or visit. In this article, we will delve into a comparative analysis of these two cities.
Distance between
Milwaukee, WI and
Virginia Beach, VA : 760.3 miles
Milwaukee's population is larger by 24%. Its population has decreased by 27,644 people (4.6%) since 2000. The population of Virginia Beach has grown by 32,415 people (7.6%) during that time.
Milwaukee has a higher crime rate than Virginia Beach. In both cities, efforts are continuously put in place to improve safety. Virginia Beach prides itself on being one of the safest cities of its size in America, with lower than average violent and property crime rates. Milwaukee, however, experiences higher crime levels, but has seen a gradual decrease in crime.
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 706 registered sex offenders living in . The ratio of residents to sex offenders in Milwaukee is 248 to 1; the ratio in Virginia Beach is 641 to 1. The number of registered sex offenders compared to the number of residents is much larger in Milwaukee than that in Virginia Beach.
Cost of Living
The cost of living in Milwaukee is generally lower than that in Virginia Beach. Median home cost, utility expenses, and grocery prices are moderately less in Milwaukee. However, both cities offer an array of affordable housing options depending on locality and personal choice.
Income Tax
Both Wisconsin and Virginia impose a state income tax. However, Virginia's is generally lower than Wisconsin's, which may result in lower overall taxation for residents of Virginia Beach.
Property Tax
Property tax rates also vary, with Milwaukee generally having higher property taxes than Virginia Beach, which could influence the decision for potential homebuyers.
Sales Tax
Virginia's statewide sales tax rate is lower than that of Wisconsin, which may result in slightly lower costs of certain purchases in Virginia Beach compared to Milwaukee.
Income
Type
Milwaukee
Virginia Beach
Estimated median household income
$46,637
$81,634
Estimated per capita income
$26,998
$42,498
Cost of living index (U.S. average is 100)
97.5
97
If you make $50,000 in Virginia Beach, you will have to make $50,258 in Milwaukee to maintain the same standard of living.
Geographical Conditions
While Milwaukee lies along Lake Michigan, offering beautiful waterfront views and activities, Virginia Beach is located on the Atlantic Coast, famous for its expansive beaches and water-based activities.
Both cities boast high-quality education systems. Virginia Beach, however, ranks slightly higher in terms of quality, with a significantly lower student-teacher ratio and higher graduation rates. Milwaukee's universities, such as the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee, are highly recognized and intoned with the city's vibrant student life.
Milwaukee has robust manufacturing and healthcare industries. Meanwhile, Virginia Beach's economy is heavily influenced by military presence, the tourism sector, and agriculture. Although both cities have diverse job markets, the unemployment rate is slightly higher in Milwaukee.
Biggest Employers
In Milwaukee, the largest employers include Aurora Health Care, Ascension Wisconsin, and Northwestern Mutual. In Virginia Beach, the major employers incorporate the U.S Naval Base, Virginia Beach City Public Schools, and Virginia Beach Municipal Government.
There were 28 building permits issued in Milwaukee in 2012 (103 less than in 2011) compared to 335 building permits issued in Virginia Beach in 2012 (200 less than in 2011).
In Milwaukee (Milwaukee County), 67.8% voted for Democrats and 31.6% for Republicans in 2012 Presidential Election. In Virginia Beach (Virginia Beach city), 48.1% voted for Democrats and 50.7% for Republicans.
Elections
Type
Democrats
Republicans
Other
Year
Milwaukee
Virginia Beach
Milwaukee
Virginia Beach
Milwaukee
Virginia Beach
2020
69.3%
51.6%
29.4%
46.2%
1.3%
2.2%
2016
65.6%
44.8%
28.6%
48.4%
5.8%
6.8%
2012
67.8%
48.1%
31.6%
50.7%
0.5%
1.2%
2008
67.8%
49.3%
31.7%
50.1%
0.5%
0.6%
2004
62.0%
40.4%
37.5%
59.3%
0.5%
0.4%
2000
58.5%
41.8%
37.9%
56.1%
3.6%
2.1%
1996
58.3%
41.4%
32.2%
50.6%
9.5%
8.0%
Breakdown of population affiliated with a religious congregation
Type
Adherents
Congregations
Religion
Milwaukee
Virginia Beach
Milwaukee
Virginia Beach
CATHOLIC CHURCH
21.0%
10.7%
10.8%
4.2%
LUTHERAN CHURCH
3.0%
0.2%
5.9%
0.8%
EVANGELICAL LUTHERAN CHURCH IN AMERICA
2.4%
0.4%
6.7%
1.5%
WISCONSIN EVANGELICAL LUTHERAN SYNOD
2.2%
0.0%
6.0%
0.0%
SOUTHERN BAPTIST CONVENTION
1.3%
4.9%
4.3%
13.6%
MUSLIM ESTIMATE
1.0%
0.8%
1.1%
0.4%
AMERICAN BAPTIST CHURCHES IN THE USA
0.7%
0.4%
3.1%
0.4%
EPISCOPAL CHURCH
0.4%
1.4%
1.7%
4.2%
VINEYARD USA
0.0%
0.4%
0.1%
1.1%
Weather
Milwaukee experiences a four-season climate, including brisk winters and warm summers. However, the weather can be unpredictable, marking a stark contrast to Virginia Beach's milder, coastal climate with hotter summers and milder winters. The beach weather of Virginia Beach is a significant attraction for tourists and potentially potential residents who enjoy warmer climes.
Weather and climate
Type
Milwaukee
Virginia Beach
Temperature - Average
48.1°F
59.7°F
Humidity - Average morning or afternoon humidity
77%
73%
Humidity - Differences between morning and afternoon humidity
26%
32%
Humidity - Maximum monthly morning or afternoon humidity
85%
83%
Humidity - Minimum monthly morning or afternoon humidity
59%
51%
Precipitation - Yearly average
33.3 in
45.9 in
Snowfall - Yearly average
95.8 in
15.4 in
Clouds - Number of days clear of clouds
14.9%
17.6%
Sunshine amount - Average
57.6%
66.8%
Sunshine amount - Differences during a year
34%
14%
Sunshine amount - Maximum monthly
69%
67%
Sunshine amount - Minimum monthly
35%
53%
Wind speed - Average
11 mph
10.4 mph
Average climate in Milwaukee, Wisconsin
Average climate in Virginia Beach, Virginia
Air pollution
Type
AQI
CO
NO2
OZONE
PB
PM10
PM25
SO2
Year
Milwaukee
Virginia Beach
Milwaukee
Virginia Beach
Milwaukee
Virginia Beach
Milwaukee
Virginia Beach
Milwaukee
Virginia Beach
Milwaukee
Milwaukee
Virginia Beach
Milwaukee
Virginia Beach
2018
84
57
N/A
0.27
8.8
6.3
28.2
31.3
N/A
0.002
15.3
N/A
7.8
6.1
0.2
0.4
2017
80
60
N/A
0.22
8.9
6.8
27.7
33.2
N/A
0.002
14.3
N/A
6.9
6.9
0.3
0.3
2016
86
66
N/A
0.21
9.4
6.5
27.0
31.7
N/A
0.002
15.0
N/A
7.4
6.1
1.2
0.4
2015
78
57
N/A
0.27
9.6
7.3
27.2
33.8
N/A
0.002
14.9
N/A
7.8
6.4
1.1
0.5
2014
89
59
N/A
0.27
9.9
7.5
26.0
33.8
N/A
0.002
15.4
N/A
9.2
6.8
1.0
1.1
2013
81
66
N/A
0.28
10.4
7.1
26.9
31.2
N/A
0.002
15.4
N/A
9.6
6.8
0.7
1.1
2012
108
76
N/A
0.29
11.5
7.8
28.3
34.6
N/A
0.002
17.2
N/A
9.6
8.1
1.0
1.1
2011
95
66
N/A
0.27
11.4
9.2
27.3
35.1
N/A
0.003
16.2
N/A
10.1
8.8
1.2
1.7
2010
83
71
N/A
0.25
12.9
4.8
26.9
38.4
N/A
0.004
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
2.2
2009
69
51
N/A
0.25
12.2
9.7
23.7
31.5
N/A
0.012
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
2.6
2008
61
77
N/A
0.23
12.4
10.3
24.6
36.2
N/A
0.004
17.3
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
3.3
2007
80
81
N/A
0.18
14.2
12.2
24.1
36.3
N/A
0.004
19.9
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
4.3
2006
66
62
0.35
0.32
14.7
N/A
22.8
36.2
0.017
0.004
19.9
N/A
N/A
N/A
2.6
3.4
2005
99
67
0.36
0.28
16.6
N/A
25.1
35.4
0.015
N/A
25.4
N/A
N/A
N/A
3.1
3.4
2004
75
80
0.41
0.30
16.6
15.9
21.2
33.3
0.011
N/A
21.4
N/A
N/A
N/A
3.3
4.3
2003
76
84
0.41
0.34
16.7
16.2
27.1
34.3
0.017
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
3.3
3.9
2002
92
99
0.40
0.40
N/A
17.8
28.9
38.0
0.018
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
3.7
5.9
2001
96
92
0.34
0.42
15.8
18.2
28.3
36.3
0.020
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
3.0
6.0
2000
84
85
0.29
0.44
16.5
15.7
27.0
36.5
0.018
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
3.4
6.5
Natural disasters
Type
Milwaukee
Virginia Beach
Tornado activity compared to U.S. average
118.1%
61.5%
Earthquake activity compared to U.S. average
109.3%
35.2%
Natural disasters compared to U.S. average
19%
0%
Transportation
Both cities have extensive transportation systems. However, Virginia Beach's light rail system provides a modern, convenient mode of transport while Milwaukee's bus system ranks as the city's primary public transit. Both cities are continually investing in their respective public transportation infrastructure to accommodate residents and tourists alike.
Transport
Type
Milwaukee
Virginia Beach
Amtrak stations
1
1
Amtrak stations nearby
1
2
FAA registered aircraft
202
374
FAA registered aircraft manufacturers and dealers
1
4
Means of transportation to work
Type
Milwaukee
Virginia Beach
Bicycle
0.5%
0.2%
Bus
4.2%
1%
Carpooled
8.4%
9.5%
Car alone
81.1%
84.2%
Motorcycle
0.1%
0.1%
Taxicab
0.2%
0%
Walked
3.9%
3.2%
Average travel time to work
Type
Milwaukee
Virginia Beach
Average
24.2 min
24.8 min
Other means
21.1 min
23.7 min
Public transportation
40.3 min
41.9 min
Private vehicle occupancy
Type
Milwaukee
Virginia Beach
Average
1.2
1.1
Drove alone
88.7%
90.3%
In 2 person carpool
8.4%
8%
In 3 person carpool
1.6%
1.3%
In 4 person carpool
0.7%
0.2%
In 5-6 person carpool
0.4%
0.1%
In 7+ person carpool
0.1%
0%
How many people usually rode to work in the car, truck or van.
Real Estate
The real estate market in Milwaukee is less expensive compared to Virginia Beach, with lower median home prices. However, value appreciation is also generally slower. Virginia Beach offers a pricier but vibrant real estate market, especially along the coast, where property values are quite high.
Neighborhoods
Both cities offer diverse neighborhoods, from the lively downtown districts of Milwaukee to the beachfront communities of Virginia Beach. In Milwaukee, you can find eclectic neighborhoods packed with culture and history, whereas Virginia Beach neighborhoods often offer picturesque views and a salt-laden breeze.
Houses and residents
Type
Milwaukee
Virginia Beach
Houses
257,812
190,981
Average household size (people)
2.5
2.6
Median year apartment built
1956
1988
Median year house/condo built
1952
1983
Length of stay in the house since moving in
14.1 years
13.5 years
Houses occupied
232,362 (90.1%)
182,775 (95.7%)
Houses occupied by owners
96,044 (41.3%)
119,144 (65.2%)
Houses occupied by renters
136,318 (58.7%)
63,631 (34.8%)
Median rent asked for vacant for-rent units
$854.05
$1,833
Median monthly housing costs
$965
$1,490
Median price asked for vacant for-sale houses and condos
$172,751
$508,833
Estimated median house or condo value
$160,100
$328,500
Median numbers of rooms
4.9
6
Median number of rooms in apartments
4.3
4.6
Median number of rooms in houses and condos
5.7
7
Median house price - detached houses
$177,554
$459,164
Median house price - in 2-unit structures
$161,248
$200,674
Median house price - in 3-to-4-unit structures
$178,933
$279,464
Median house price - in 5 or more unit structures
$222,376
$229,647
Median house price - mobile homes
$67,466
$143,239
Median house price - Townhouses or other attached units
$171,473
$261,878
Median house price - All housing units
$176,965
$401,957
Median house age
68
36
Renting percentage
56.4%
34.7%
Housing density (houses/condos per square mile)
2,683.8
769.2
House value disparities
33%
29%
Household income disparities
46.1%
40.6%
Median household income for houses/condes with a mortgage
$72,490
$104,941
Median household income for apartments without a mortgage
$53,843
$82,507
Housing units without a mortgage
1,800 (2.8%)
2,373 (2.6%)
Housing units with both a second mortgage and home equity loan
3,918 (6.2%)
9,070 (10%)
Housing units with a mortgage
61,602 (97.2%)
88,748 (97.4%)
Housing units with a home equity loan
270 (0.4%)
287 (0.3%)
Housing units with a second mortgage
5,023 (7.9%)
10,952 (12%)
House/condo owner moved in on average (years ago)
13
10
House/condo renter moved in on average (years ago)
1
1
Housing units lacking complete kitchen facilities
4.5%
1%
Housing units lacking complete plumbing facilities
1.1%
0.4%
Housing units in structures
Housing units in structures
Milwaukee
Virginia Beach
One, detached
38.9%
53.2%
One, attached
4.5%
18.3%
Two
23.5%
1.7%
3 or 4
6.3%
4.6%
5 to 9
6.3%
9.0%
10 to 19
4.1%
4.5%
20 to 49
6.6%
2.1%
50 or more
9.5%
5.4%
Mobile homes
0.3%
1.1%
Median real estate property taxes paid for housing units
Self-employed workers in own not incorporated business
10,069
9,992
State government workers
7,334
6,577
Unpaid family workers
199
251
Industries and Occupations
Milwaukee is recognized for its manufacturing, education, health services, and finance sectors. On the other hand, Virginia Beach is known for its defense, tourism, and agriculture industries, presenting a significant difference in terms of job opportunities between the two cities.
Both cities provide excellent healthcare facilities. However, Virginia Beach often ranks higher in terms of overall healthcare services, primarily due to the presence of several top-ranking hospitals and lower average health insurance costs.
Health (county statistics)
Type
Milwaukee
Virginia Beach
General health status score of residents in this county from 1 (poor) to 5 (excellent)
Milwaukee is known for its historic architecture and is continually improving its infrastructure. Virginia Beach is marked by its pristine beaches and modern city planning, including a high-speed light rail system. Both cities are investing in infrastructure to ensure better quality of life.
Infrastructure
Type
Milwaukee
Virginia Beach
Hospitals
29
7
TV stations
17
24
Bank branches located here
146
96
Bank institutions located here
29
16
Main business address for public companies
32
2
Drinking water stations with no reported violations in the past
24
6
Drinking water stations with reported violations in the past
HMDA - Conventional home purchase loans - Applications denied
Year
Milwaukee
Virginia Beach
1999
1,506
0
2000
1,666
0
2001
1,410
0
2002
1,157
0
2003
1,641
941
2004
2,251
1,388
2005
3,325
1,545
2006
4,218
1,502
2007
2,555
1,073
2008
719
340
2009
456
167
Culture and Food
Milwaukee, known as the "Brew City," boasts a rich culture around craft beer and German heritage with lots of festivals. Virginia Beach, on the other hand, is known for its seafood and coastal culture, with various food and wine festivals and celebrations.
Sports Teams
For sports enthusiasts, Milwaukee offers the Milwaukee Bucks (NBA) and the Brewers (MLB) while Virginia Beach doesn't have professional sports teams; however, it is near cities that do. Each location offers various recreational sports opportunities.
Milwaukee, WI
Virginia Beach, VA
Milwaukee, WI and 
Virginia Beach, VA : 760.3 miles
