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Rent vs Buy in Milwaukee, WI

Pre-filled with 2026 median data for Milwaukee. Adjust any number to match your situation.

Median Home Price

$195,000

Median Rent/Month

$1,250

Property Tax Rate

2.18%/yr

Avg Appreciation

2.2%/yr

Adjust Your Numbers

$195,000
20% ($39,000)
$1,250
7.0%
7 years

Is It Worth Buying a Home in Milwaukee, WI?

The decision to rent or buy in Milwaukee, Wisconsin depends on how long you plan to stay, your down payment, and current mortgage rates. With a median home price of $195,000 and median monthly rent of $1,250, the math plays out differently depending on your personal situation.

Milwaukee has an average property tax rate of 2.18% annually, which adds approximately $354/month to the cost of homeownership on a median-priced home.

Historically, home values in Milwaukee have appreciated at roughly 2.2% per year, which works in favor of buyers who plan to stay long-term. Use the calculator above to find your personal break-even point.

Key Factors for Milwaukee Buyers

  • Down payment of 20% on a median home = $39,000
  • Monthly mortgage (30yr at 6.99%) ≈ $1,037/mo
  • Property tax ≈ $354/mo
  • Estimated maintenance ≈ $163/mo