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Minneapolis vs Milwaukee: Full Comparison

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

Quick Answer

Minneapolis is 26% more expensive than Milwaukee. Milwaukee is 15% safer. Minneapolis has more comfortable months (5 vs 5). Minneapolis population: 430,324. Milwaukee population: 562,407.

Which city is better for you?

Cost of LivingMilwaukee
SafetyMilwaukee
WeatherTie
HousingMilwaukee

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

Cost of Living: Minneapolis vs Milwaukee

Milwaukee is more affordable overall, with a cost of living index of 95 vs 120 (national average = 100). That's a difference of 25 index points.

CategoryMinneapolisMilwaukee
Overall Index12095
Housing$3,026/moIndex: 170$1,869/moIndex: 105
Groceries$431/moIndex: 105$402/moIndex: 98
Transportation$368/moIndex: 105$350/moIndex: 100
Healthcare$346/moIndex: 108$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: Minneapolis vs Milwaukee

Milwaukee is 15% safer overall, with a crime rate of 43 per 1,000 residents vs Minneapolis's 50.5. Milwaukee earns a F safety grade compared to Minneapolis's F. Based on 2023 FBI data.

F

Minneapolis

Minnesota

Overall GradeF
Violent CrimeD-
Property CrimeF
Crime Rate50.5/1K
TrendImproving
F

Milwaukee

Wisconsin

Overall GradeF
Violent CrimeF
Property CrimeD
Crime Rate43/1K
TrendStable
MetricMinneapolisMilwaukee
Overall Crime Rate50.5/1K43/1K
Violent Crime Rate850.01100.0
Property Crime Rate4200.03200.0
Murder Rate11.018.5
Assault Rate544.1808.4
Robbery Rate188.4158.2
Burglary Rate739.1436.9
Theft Rate3221.72092.0
Vehicle Theft Rate536.4479.0

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

Victim Odds

In Minneapolis, you have a 1 in 20 chance of being a crime victim per year vs 1 in 23 in Milwaukee.

Climate: Minneapolis vs Milwaukee

Minneapolis Climate Overview

Annual High54.9°F
Annual Low36.9°F
Annual Rain30.4"
Annual Snow53.6"
Comfortable Months5
Best MonthJune
Worst MonthJanuary
Monthly Temperature
J
F
M
A
M
J
J
A
S
O
N
D
FreezingColdComfortableWarm

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

Monthly Temperature Comparison

MinneapolisMilwaukeeHigh/Low °F range
0°20°40°60°80°JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
MetricMinneapolisMilwaukee
Avg Annual High54.9°F55.8°F
Avg Annual Low36.9°F40.3°F
Annual Rain30.4"32.7"
Annual Snow53.6"45.5"
Comfortable Months55
Freezing Months54

Both cities have similar summer temperatures, but Minneapolis is 8°F colder in winter than Milwaukee. Minneapolis gets significantly more snow (54" vs 46").

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Minneapolis cheaper than Milwaukee?
Milwaukee is 26% more affordable than Minneapolis, with a cost of living index of 95 vs 120 (100 = national average). Housing is the biggest difference, at $3,026/mo in Minneapolis vs $1,869/mo in Milwaukee.
Is Minneapolis safer than Milwaukee?
Milwaukee is 15% safer overall, with a crime rate of 43 per 1,000 residents vs Minneapolis's 50.5. Milwaukee earns a F safety grade. Based on 2023 FBI data.
Which city has better weather, Minneapolis or Milwaukee?
Milwaukee is about the same temperature as Minneapolis. Minneapolis has more comfortable months (5 vs 5). Annual snow: Minneapolis gets 54", Milwaukee gets 46".
Should I move to Minneapolis or Milwaukee?
It depends on your priorities. Milwaukee is safer (F grade). Milwaukee is more affordable (index 95 vs 120). Minneapolis has better year-round weather. Minneapolis has a population of 430,324 and Milwaukee has 562,407. Consider job market, culture, and proximity to family alongside these data points.
How big is Minneapolis compared to Milwaukee?
Minneapolis has a population of 430,324 and Milwaukee has 562,407. Milwaukee is 31% larger by population.
Is housing cheaper in Minneapolis or Milwaukee?
Housing is cheaper in Milwaukee. Estimated monthly housing costs: Minneapolis $3,026/mo vs Milwaukee $1,869/mo. That's based on a housing index of 170 vs 105 (100 = national average of $1,780/mo).

Learn More About Each City

F
Minneapolis Safety ReportFull crime breakdown and trends
F
Milwaukee 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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