Cost of LivingUpdated 2026-03-23

Milwaukee, Wisconsin

In Milwaukee, Wisconsin, a gallon of regular gas costs $3.67 as of 2026-03-23 — $0.22 above the national average of $3.45. The average monthly rent for all unit types is $1,300, compared to the national average of $1,900. Grocery inflation is running at 2.58% year-over-year. Since 2022, bread prices have increased significantly while egg prices have been volatile due to avian flu outbreaks. Milwaukee's cost-of-living index of 88 puts it below the national average of 100.

StatesWisconsinMilwaukee

Key Numbers

Gas (Regular)

$3.67

National: $3.45

7.3%vs. 2022
AAA Gas Prices

Avg Rent (All)

$1,300

National: $1,900

14.0%vs. 2022

Grocery Inflation

2.58%

Year-over-year

BLS/FRED CPI

Fast Food Avg

$10.67

Combo meal

4.7%YoY

Electricity

17.4¢/kWh

~$157/mo avg bill

7.4%vs national avg
EIA Residential

Car Insurance

$132/mo

$1,580/yr state avg

26.5%vs national avg
Bankrate/NAIC

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Grocery Prices

Grocery Item Prices — 2022 to Present

Item20222023202420252026Change
Eggs (dozen)Bird flu volatility$1.66$2.00$2.61$3.94$2.15+2960.0%
Milk (gallon)$3.20$3.46$3.39$3.49$3.60+630.0%
Ground Beef (lb)$3.76$4.62$4.85$5.14$5.19+38.0%
Bread (loaf)$2.16$2.92$3.15$3.37$3.44+1900.0%
Chicken Breast (lb)$3.52$3.69$3.76$3.80$3.88+2630.0%
Butter (lb)$3.92$4.35$4.52$4.65$4.84+23.5%
Bacon (lb)$6.25$6.75$7.30$7.59$7.90+26.4%
Cheddar Cheese (lb)$5.47$6.08$6.26$6.38$6.38+16.6%
Pasta (lb)$1.44$1.74$1.85$1.92$1.94+34.7%
Rice (5 lb)$3.84$4.37$4.54$4.58$4.67+21.6%
Coffee (12 oz)$8.09$9.61$10.38$11.01$11.34+40.2%
Orange Juice (64 oz)Citrus shortage$3.65$4.26$4.73$5.01$5.16+41.4%
Potatoes (5 lb)$3.77$4.04$4.16$4.28$4.37+15.9%
Apples (3 lb)$4.41$4.58$4.86$4.96$5.16+17.0%
Tomatoes (lb)$2.12$2.40$2.59$2.75$2.86+34.9%
Lettuce (head)$1.66$1.79$1.95$2.01$2.09+25.9%
Cooking Oil (48 oz)$5.18$6.60$7.06$7.27$7.34+41.7%
Yogurt (32 oz)$4.12$4.41$4.72$4.91$5.06+22.8%
Cereal (family size)$4.57$5.31$5.62$5.73$5.84+27.8%
Frozen Pizza$6.08$7.22$7.80$8.27$8.52+40.1%

Dining & Restaurants

Fast Food Meal

$10.67

Casual Dining

$20.44

Monthly Spend

$350.82

+4.71% YoY

Chain Restaurant Meal Prices — 2022 vs. Today

Combo meal / typical order for one

McDonald's

2022: $6.62

$10.67

+61.2%

Wendy's

2022: $7.47

$11.52

+54.2%

Chipotle

2022: $8.00

$11.95

+49.4%

Starbucks

2022: $3.77

$5.23

+38.7%

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Looking for an Apartment in Milwaukee?

Average 1BR: $1,014/mo · 2BR: $1,534/mo

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