City comparison
Yes. Philadelphia's crime index is 261 versus 266 in Milwaukee, and its violent crime index is 252 versus 375, using 2024-2025 FBI data.
Milwaukee is cheaper. Median rent is $1,059 a month versus $1,397 in Philadelphia.
The cost gap between Philadelphia and Milwaukee is the real story here. Milwaukee comes in 24% cheaper on typical rent ($1,397 vs $1,059), which over a year adds up to $4,056. Median household income runs $61,953 in Philadelphia and $54,234 in Milwaukee.
Philadelphia is not a close call here. It leads on the job market, safety, and weather by margins that add up in daily life. Milwaukee makes sense if you have a specific reason, a job offer, family, or a neighborhood you already know, but on the numbers alone Philadelphia is the stronger move.
The rent gap is real but neighborhoods matter. Milwaukee at $1,059 average has pockets that run $859 and others at $1,459: your actual number depends on which part of the city you land in.
The move
Philadelphia and Milwaukee are 692 miles apart in a straight line.
Median rent goes from $1,397 a month in Philadelphia to $1,059 a month in Milwaukee, down $338 a month (24%).
Median household income goes from $61,953 in Philadelphia to $54,234 in Milwaukee, down $7,719 (12%).
The crime index goes from 261 in Philadelphia to 266 in Milwaukee, up 5 points (2%).
The move
Milwaukee and Philadelphia are 692 miles apart in a straight line.
Median rent goes from $1,059 a month in Milwaukee to $1,397 a month in Philadelphia, up $338 a month (32%).
Median household income goes from $54,234 in Milwaukee to $61,953 in Philadelphia, up $7,719 (14%).
The crime index goes from 266 in Milwaukee to 261 in Philadelphia, down 5 points (2%).
Philadelphia, PA
School quality varies by neighborhood. Check GreatSchools.org for current ratings.
Milwaukee, WI
School quality varies by neighborhood. Check GreatSchools.org for current ratings.
Comparing Philadelphia and Milwaukee? Check mortgage rates before you decide where to buy.
Rent
24% cheaper
Milwaukee rent is 24% cheaper than Philadelphia
Philadelphia
$1,397/mo
Milwaukee
Winner$1,059/mo
Typical rent runs $1,059 a month in Milwaukee versus $1,397 in Philadelphia, so Milwaukee is 24% cheaper. That's roughly $338/month back in your pocket ($4,056/year). Over five years that's $20,280 you could redirect toward a down payment, travel, or investments. Housing is the bill you pay before groceries, childcare, or a social life, so that gap shows up in how often you eat out and how panicked a rent hike feels. If you already have a high-paying offer in Philadelphia, the extra rent can be rational. If you do not, Milwaukee is the easier city to land in without blowing up your budget.
Planning to buy in Philadelphia? Check mortgage rates before you decide.
Median income
14% higher
Philadelphia's median income is 14% higher than Milwaukee
Philadelphia
Winner$61,953
Milwaukee
$54,234
Median household income is $61,953 in Philadelphia versus $54,234 in Milwaukee, so typical pay runs 14% higher in Philadelphia (about $7,719 more household income a year). Higher median income usually signals a stronger local job market and better negotiating leverage on salary. Remote workers should weigh this against cost of living rather than treating it as a direct personal benefit. For people who will actually work in town, Philadelphia is the stronger labor market on paper. Milwaukee can still win if housing is cheap enough to offset the weaker median or if your specific role already pays well there.
Crime index
2% lower crime
Philadelphia's crime index is 2% lower than Milwaukee
Philadelphia
Winner261 (100 = avg)
Milwaukee
266 (100 = avg)
Philadelphia's crime index is 261 versus 266 in Milwaukee (100 = national average), so citywide crime runs 2% lower in Philadelphia. The difference is noticeable without being night-and-day. You will still want to pick the neighborhood carefully in Philadelphia, but you will usually spend less energy on constant vigilance than you would in Milwaukee. Tour both cities after dark before you let a modest index gap close the decision.
Typical weather
11% more comfortable
Philadelphia weather is 11% more comfortable than Milwaukee
Philadelphia
Winner59°F avg · 67°F highs · comfort 83/100
Milwaukee
56°F avg · 61°F highs · comfort 75/100
Philadelphia averages about 59°F (67°F highs); Milwaukee averages about 56°F (61°F highs). Philadelphia averages around 59°F, so jackets, heating bills, and shorter outdoor seasons are part of daily life. Milwaukee averages around 56°F, so jackets, heating bills, and shorter outdoor seasons are part of daily life. Philadelphia scores 11% closer to the 65-80°F comfort band on this page, so it is the easier default for year-round outdoor errands and evenings. Choose Milwaukee if you already prefer its hotter or cooler pattern and have budgeted for the AC or heating that comes with it.
Fit check
Career-focused movers who want salary upside plus year-round outdoor access
It is also a match for career-focused movers who want salary upside and year-round outdoor access. Median household income runs 14% higher ($61,953), and typical weather is the more comfortable of the two (around 59°F). That pairing is for people who will work hard and then actually use the evenings.
Philadelphia is the better fit for families with young children and retirees who prioritize peace of mind over urban energy. The crime index is 2% lower than Milwaukee (261 vs a 100 national average). That gap shows up in how freely you walk at night and how much attention you spend on the car and the deadbolt.
Fit check
People with a job, family, or neighborhood already pulling them to Milwaukee
Milwaukee is the clearer landing pad if housing cost is what keeps you up at night. Typical rent is 24% cheaper here at about $1,059 a month. Choose Milwaukee if you are stretching a salary, starting over, or want slack for travel and debt instead of a flashier skyline.
Bottom line
On rent alone, Milwaukee undercuts Philadelphia by $338/month ($1,059 vs $1,397). I would not pick Philadelphia on housing cost without a job that clears that spread.
Milwaukee rent at $1,059/month is still below Philadelphia's $1,397, so cost-sensitive households should weigh the lease before the paycheck.
Weather averages land near 59°F in Philadelphia and 56°F in Milwaukee.
Milwaukee is the default on housing cost at $1,059/month versus $1,397 in Philadelphia; Philadelphia stays in play when $61,953 local pay or an existing job offer outweighs the $338 lease gap.
Common questions
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Next steps
Quotes and listings for Philadelphia when you're ready to act.
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Nearby research
Open full neighborhood reports for Philadelphia and Milwaukee, plus other cities in PA and WI.
