Chicago vs Milwaukee: Full Comparison
Updated November 2026 · Cost of living, safety, and climate data
Quick Answer
Chicago is 21% more expensive than Milwaukee. Chicago is 17% safer. Chicago has more comfortable months (5 vs 5). Chicago population: 2,731,585. Milwaukee population: 562,407.
Which city is better for you?
Based on cost of living indices, FBI crime data, and NOAA climate records.
Cost of Living: Chicago vs Milwaukee
Milwaukee is more affordable overall, with a cost of living index of 95 vs 115 (national average = 100). That's a difference of 20 index points.
| Category | Chicago | Milwaukee |
|---|---|---|
| Overall Index | 115 | 95 |
| Housing | $2,937/moIndex: 165 | $1,869/moIndex: 105 |
| Groceries | $431/moIndex: 105 | $402/moIndex: 98 |
| Transportation | $385/moIndex: 110 | $350/moIndex: 100 |
| Healthcare | $336/moIndex: 105 | $320/moIndex: 100 |
| Utilities | $209/moIndex: 95 | $209/moIndex: 95 |
Index 100 = national average. Dollar amounts are estimated monthly costs. Sources: BEA Regional Price Parities, C2ER Cost of Living Index.
Safety: Chicago vs Milwaukee
Chicago is 17% safer overall, with a crime rate of 35.5 per 1,000 residents vs Milwaukee's 43. Chicago earns a D+ safety grade compared to Milwaukee's F. Based on 2023 FBI data.
Chicago
Illinois
Milwaukee
Wisconsin
| Metric | Chicago | Milwaukee |
|---|---|---|
| Overall Crime Rate | 35.5/1K | 43/1K |
| Violent Crime Rate | 750.0 | 1100.0 |
| Property Crime Rate | 2800.0 | 3200.0 |
| Murder Rate | 14.1 | 18.5 |
| Assault Rate | 608.5 | 808.4 |
| Robbery Rate | 120.9 | 158.2 |
| Burglary Rate | 376.8 | 436.9 |
| Theft Rate | 1938.2 | 2092.0 |
| Vehicle Theft Rate | 674.0 | 479.0 |
Crime rates per 100,000 residents. 2023 FBI Uniform Crime Report data. Lower rates are better (safer).
Victim Odds
In Chicago, you have a 1 in 28 chance of being a crime victim per year vs 1 in 23 in Milwaukee.
Climate: Chicago vs Milwaukee
Chicago Climate Overview
Milwaukee Climate Overview
Monthly Temperature Comparison
| Metric | Chicago | Milwaukee |
|---|---|---|
| Avg Annual High | 59.3°F | 55.8°F |
| Avg Annual Low | 42.8°F | 40.3°F |
| Annual Rain | 36.9" | 32.7" |
| Annual Snow | 36.1" | 45.5" |
| Comfortable Months | 5 | 5 |
| Freezing Months | 4 | 4 |
Chicago is 3°F warmer in summer than Milwaukee, but Milwaukee is 4°F colder in winter than Chicago. Milwaukee gets significantly more snow (46" vs 36").
Frequently Asked Questions
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Learn More About Each City
Safety data: 2023 FBI Uniform Crime Report. Cost of living: BEA Regional Price Parities and C2ER Cost of Living Index. Climate: NOAA 30-year normals. Not a substitute for local guidance.
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