Salary Needed to Live in Milwaukee as a Family

A family of four (2 adults, 2 children) needs approximately $53,390/year to live comfortably in Milwaukee, WI — including 15% savings.

Comfortable Salary
$53,390
with 15% savings
Bare Minimum
$42,568
no savings buffer
Monthly Expenses
$2,625
10% below national avg

Detailed Monthly Budget for a Family in Milwaukee

ExpenseMilwaukeeNat'l AvgDiff
🏠 3BR Apartment/House Rent$196$209-6%
🛒 Groceries$44$440%
⚡ Utilities$19$28-32%
🚗 Transportation$38$44-14%
🛡️ Car Insurance$149$211-29%
🏥 Health Insurance$57$53+8%
Childcare/After-school$1,092$1,200-9%
Internet + Phones$164$180-9%
Children Activities$228$250-9%
Dining Out$319$350-9%
School Supplies & Clothing$182$200-9%
Healthcare Co-pays$137$150-9%
Total Monthly$2,625$2,919-10%

How We Calculated the Salary

Monthly expenses:$2,625
Target savings (15%):$581/mo
Monthly after-tax needed:$3,206
Effective tax rate:26%

Gross annual salary needed:$53,390

Other Household Types in Milwaukee

Single Person
$17,775/yr
$948/mo expenses
Couple (No Kids)
$24,813/yr
$1,282/mo expenses
Retiree
$18,452/yr
$1,061/mo expenses

Related Pages

Living Alone in MilwaukeeCity OverviewAfford on $75K?Afford on $100K?Cost of Living

FAQ

What salary does a family with kids need in Milwaukee?
A family with kids needs approximately $53,390/year ($4,449/month gross) to live comfortably in Milwaukee with a 15% savings rate.
How much is rent for a family with kids in Milwaukee?
A 3br apartment/house in Milwaukee costs approximately $196/month, which is the largest single expense at 7% of the total budget.
Is Milwaukee affordable for a family with kids?
Yes, Milwaukee is 10% more affordable than the national average for a family with kids.
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