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Milwaukee vs Madison: Full Comparison

Updated November 2026 · Cost of living, safety, and climate data

Quick Answer

Madison is 11% more expensive than Milwaukee. Madison is 45% safer. Milwaukee has more comfortable months (5 vs 5). Milwaukee population: 562,407. Madison population: 286,233.

Which city is better for you?

Cost of LivingMilwaukee
SafetyMadison
WeatherTie
HousingMilwaukee

Based on cost of living indices, FBI crime data, and NOAA climate records.

Cost of Living: Milwaukee vs Madison

Milwaukee is more affordable overall, with a cost of living index of 95 vs 105 (national average = 100). That's a difference of 10 index points.

CategoryMilwaukeeMadison
Overall Index95105
Housing$1,869/moIndex: 105$2,350/moIndex: 132
Groceries$402/moIndex: 98$410/moIndex: 100
Transportation$350/moIndex: 100$350/moIndex: 100
Healthcare$320/moIndex: 100$320/moIndex: 100
Utilities$209/moIndex: 95$202/moIndex: 92

Index 100 = national average. Dollar amounts are estimated monthly costs. Sources: BEA Regional Price Parities, C2ER Cost of Living Index.

Safety: Milwaukee vs Madison

Madison is 45% safer overall, with a crime rate of 23.5 per 1,000 residents vs Milwaukee's 43. Madison earns a C+ safety grade compared to Milwaukee's F. Based on 2023 FBI data.

F

Milwaukee

Wisconsin

Overall GradeF
Violent CrimeF
Property CrimeD
Crime Rate43/1K
TrendStable
C+

Madison

Wisconsin

Overall GradeC+
Violent CrimeC+
Property CrimeB-
Crime Rate23.5/1K
TrendDeclining
MetricMilwaukeeMadison
Overall Crime Rate43/1K23.5/1K
Violent Crime Rate1100.0417.8
Property Crime Rate3200.01935.6
Murder Rate18.54.6
Assault Rate808.4362.2
Robbery Rate158.273.6
Burglary Rate436.9299.5
Theft Rate2092.01349.6
Vehicle Theft Rate479.0259.5

Crime rates per 100,000 residents. 2023 FBI Uniform Crime Report data. Lower rates are better (safer).

Victim Odds

In Milwaukee, you have a 1 in 23 chance of being a crime victim per year vs 1 in 43 in Madison.

Climate: Milwaukee vs Madison

Milwaukee Climate Overview

Annual High55.8°F
Annual Low40.3°F
Annual Rain32.7"
Annual Snow45.5"
Comfortable Months5
Best MonthAugust
Worst MonthJanuary
Monthly Temperature
J
F
M
A
M
J
J
A
S
O
N
D
FreezingColdComfortableWarm

Madison Climate Overview

Annual High55.9°F
Annual Low38.2°F
Annual Rain32.4"
Annual Snow46.5"
Comfortable Months5
Best MonthAugust
Worst MonthJanuary
Monthly Temperature
J
F
M
A
M
J
J
A
S
O
N
D
FreezingColdComfortableWarm

Monthly Temperature Comparison

MilwaukeeMadisonHigh/Low °F range
20°40°60°80°JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
MetricMilwaukeeMadison
Avg Annual High55.8°F55.9°F
Avg Annual Low40.3°F38.2°F
Annual Rain32.7"32.4"
Annual Snow45.5"46.5"
Comfortable Months55
Freezing Months45

Both cities have similar summer temperatures, but Madison is 3°F colder in winter than Milwaukee. Madison gets significantly more snow (47" vs 46").

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Milwaukee cheaper than Madison?
Milwaukee is 11% more affordable than Madison, with a cost of living index of 95 vs 105 (100 = national average). Housing is the biggest difference, at $1,869/mo in Milwaukee vs $2,350/mo in Madison.
Is Milwaukee safer than Madison?
Madison is 45% safer overall, with a crime rate of 23.5 per 1,000 residents vs Milwaukee's 43. Madison earns a C+ safety grade. Based on 2023 FBI data.
Which city has better weather, Milwaukee or Madison?
Madison is about the same temperature as Milwaukee. Milwaukee has more comfortable months (5 vs 5). Annual snow: Milwaukee gets 46", Madison gets 47".
Should I move to Milwaukee or Madison?
It depends on your priorities. Madison is safer (C+ grade). Milwaukee is more affordable (index 95 vs 105). Milwaukee has better year-round weather. Milwaukee has a population of 562,407 and Madison has 286,233. Consider job market, culture, and proximity to family alongside these data points.
How big is Milwaukee compared to Madison?
Milwaukee has a population of 562,407 and Madison has 286,233. Milwaukee is 96% larger by population.
Is housing cheaper in Milwaukee or Madison?
Housing is cheaper in Milwaukee. Estimated monthly housing costs: Milwaukee $1,869/mo vs Madison $2,350/mo. That's based on a housing index of 105 vs 132 (100 = national average of $1,780/mo).

Learn More About Each City

F
Milwaukee Safety ReportFull crime breakdown and trends
C+
Madison Safety ReportFull crime breakdown and trends
Salary CalculatorClimate Compare ToolSafety Comparison Tool

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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