Average Rent in Milwaukee 2026
The average rent in Milwaukee, WI is $1,100 for a 1-bedroom, $1,350 for a 2-bedroom, and $1,700 for a 3-bedroom apartment in 2026. The cost of living in Milwaukee is 9% below the national average. To afford a 1-bedroom apartment here using the 30% rule, you need an annual income of at least $44,000.
Milwaukee Rent Prices by Bedroom
1 Bedroom
$1,100
per month
2 Bedrooms
$1,350
per month
3 Bedrooms
$1,700
per month
Cost of Living in Milwaukee
91
Cost of Living Index (100 = national average)
Milwaukee's cost of living index is 91, which is 9% below the national average. This index factors in housing, groceries, transportation, healthcare, and utilities. A higher number means you need more income to maintain the same standard of living compared to the national average.
Milwaukee at a Glance
Population
563K
Median Income
$43,125
COL Index
91
Rent Control
No
How Much Income Do You Need to Rent in Milwaukee?
The widely accepted guideline is to spend no more than 30% of your gross income on rent. Here is the minimum annual income you need to afford an apartment in Milwaukee by bedroom count:
1-Bedroom
$1,100/mo rent
$44,000/yr
2-Bedroom
$1,350/mo rent
$54,000/yr
3-Bedroom
$1,700/mo rent
$68,000/yr
Based on the 30% rule: monthly rent should not exceed 30% of gross monthly income.
How Much You Save with a Roommate in Milwaukee
Save $425/month
by splitting a 2-bedroom with a roommate
Solo 1BR
$1,100
per month
Split 2BR
$675
per person/month
Annual Savings
$5,100
per year
Instead of paying $1,100 for a 1-bedroom on your own, splitting a 2-bedroom ($1,350) with one roommate brings your share to $675. That is $5,100 per year you could put toward savings, investments, or paying down debt.
Rent Control in Milwaukee
Milwaukee, WI does not currently have rent control or rent stabilization laws. Landlords can raise rent by any amount at lease renewal, though they are typically required to provide advance notice (usually 30-60 days). If you are concerned about rent increases, consider negotiating a longer lease term for price stability.
Rent Calculators for Milwaukee Renters
Use these free calculators to plan your Milwaukee rental budget, split rent with roommates, and check if you qualify for an apartment.
Rent Affordability Calculator
Find out how much rent you can afford based on your income.
Fair Rent Split Calculator
Split rent fairly by room size, features, and income.
Rent-to-Income Calculator
Check if you meet the 3x rent rule landlords require.
Renter Budget Calculator
Build a 50/30/20 budget around your rent payment.
Frequently Asked Questions About Renting in Milwaukee
Is Milwaukee expensive to rent in?
Milwaukee is well below the national average for rents. A 1-bedroom averages $1,100 per month in 2026. The Third Ward and East Side are premium areas, while Walker's Point and Bay View offer trendy alternatives at lower prices.
How much income do you need to rent in Milwaukee?
Using the 30% rule, you need about $3,667 per month ($44,000 annually) to afford an average $1,100/month 1-bedroom apartment in Milwaukee.
How much can you save by splitting rent with a roommate in Milwaukee?
Splitting a 2-bedroom ($1,350/month) with one roommate brings your share to $675, saving $425 per month or $5,100 per year versus renting a 1-bedroom alone.
Planning to rent in Milwaukee?