Is Columbus, OH or Milwaukee, WI cheaper on a $120,000 salary?

Columbus, OH leaves you more: $4,995/yr. On $120,000, Columbus, OH leaves $69,543/yr in pocket (state tax $4,200, housing $16,677) vs Milwaukee, WI's $64,548 (state tax $6,360, housing $19,512).

The gap is driven mostly by state income tax (Ohio: 3.50% vs Wisconsin: 5.30%) and housing.

WhereCanIAfford › Take-home › Columbus, OH vs Milwaukee, WI

Columbus, OH vs Milwaukee, WI: cost of living on $120,000

Columbus, OH +$4,995/yr On $120,000, Columbus, OH leaves $69,543/yr in pocket vs Milwaukee, WI's $64,548 — after state income tax and housing.

Where the money goes

On $120,000	Columbus, OH	Milwaukee, WI
Federal + FICA (est.)	$29,580	$29,580
State income tax	$4,200 (3.50%)	$6,360 (5.30%)
After-tax income	$86,220	$84,060
− Housing/yr (Zillow)	$16,677	$19,512
Real money in pocket	$69,543	$64,548

Verified 2026-06-23 · State tax: Tax Foundation, “State Individual Income Tax Rates and Brackets, 2025” + state revenue departments. Modeled as an effective planning rate for a typical $80k–$160k filer — not a full bracket engine. · Housing from Zillow ZHVI 2026-05.

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FAQ

Is Columbus, OH or Milwaukee, WI cheaper?: On $120,000, Columbus, OH — by $4,995/yr in real take-home.
What's the biggest driver?: State income tax (Ohio 3.50% vs Wisconsin 5.30%) and housing cost.

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