If you’re not sure how to choose between Minneapolis VS Milwaukee, we’re here to help. The Move Crew has done a deep dive into each of these cities and has the research to compare the two accurately.
Minneapolis (Mill City) and Milwaukee (Cream City) are two vibrant cities in the Midwest, each offering unique attractions and lifestyles. Minneapolis, located in Minnesota, is known for its beautiful lakes, lovely art scene, and robust economy. The city features numerous parks, theaters, and museums, including the famous Walker Art Center and the Minneapolis Institute of Art.
Milwaukee, situated in Milwaukee County, Wisconsin, boasts a rich brewing history, a scenic location on the shores of Lake Michigan, and diverse cultural festivals; Milwaukee has gained the nickname “City of Festivals.” Home to the Milwaukee Art Museum and the historic Pabst Brewery, the city is a blend of old-world charm and modern amenities. When comparing Minneapolis or Milwaukee, both cities offer a variety of outdoor activities, ample cultural experiences, and thriving urban environments.
Explore the pros and cons of living in Minneapolis VS Milwaukee. There are many factors to discuss regarding Minneapolis VS Milwaukee. While Minneapolis has an affordable cost of living and a diverse economy, Milwaukee has picturesque views, waterfront living, and vibrant nightlife. The weather in Milwaukee is slightly more favorable, but both cities has frigid winters and enjoyable spring and summers.
Living in Minneapolis boasts many attractive attributes, including affordable living (tax-free clothing and shoes), a diverse food scene, various beautiful parks, great nightlife, and a wonderful art scene, not to mention the many wonderful Minneapolis neighborhoods. The economy is diverse, as there are more than 22,000 job openings in Mill City.
While there is no major negative when comparing Minneapolis versus Milwaukee, you should consider the climate. Both are located out west and have brutal winters, but Minneapolis has one of the coldest winters in the US. Minneapolis also has a higher crime rate than its state (5,713 per 100k people), which may be a deal breaker for some.
There are pros and cons of living in Milwaukee, too. With Lake Michigan as its backyard, one major allure to Milwaukee is its sandy lake beaches. Residents also enjoy its low cost of living (100 cost of living index) and vibrant nightlife. Milwaukeeans have a reputation for being very warm people, making it a great place to move to. The city also hosts a slew of community events—probably the most festivals in its region!
Cream City has limited public transportation options; Milwaukee has a transit score of 49 but is considered quite walkable. While some residents see the city’s ample parks and open spaces as a plus, others dread certain times of the year when high pollen causes allergy flare-ups. Milwaukee's winters are also considered harsh but less cold than Minneapolis’s.
Living in Minneapolis as opposed to Milwaukee, can mean you gain in some departments but lose in others. Here’s how the two cities compare so you can make an informed decision on where to live.
Given their various attributes, both cities are affordable. Milwaukee has a Cost of Living Index (COLI) of 100, whereas the COLI in Minneapolis is 101. The cost of living in Minneapolis is 1% more expensive than in Milwaukee and the average US city.
According to the Economic Policy Institute, a family of four living in the Milwaukee/Waukesha/West Allis metro area would have to earn a household income of $111,053 to live comfortably. In contrast, a family of four would need $119,229 annually to live comfortably in Minneapolis/St. Paul/Bloomington metro area.
Buying a house in Milwaukee is more affordable than in Minneapolis. The median sale price in The 414 is $223,000, versus Minneapolis’s median sale price of $352,750. Both cities have very competitive real estate markets, as they’re desirable places to call home. Minneapolis's average price per square foot is $228, whereas Milwaukee’s is $156.
Renting is affordable in both, but RentCafe says you can live in an 856-square-foot rental in Milwaukee for $1,516 a month. Minneapolis's average monthly rent is $1,675 for a smaller unit (774-square-feet.) In Minneapolis, 37% of rental properties are priced between $1,001 and $1,500, whereas only 32% of Milwaukee rentals share the same price range.
Living in Minneapolis versus Milwaukee means you’ll deal with a smaller population. According to the 2020 census, Milwaukee has a population of 577,222, whereas Minneapolis's is 429,954.
Milwaukee has a younger population, with 25.7% of residents under 18, compared to Minneapolis’s 19.1%. However, Minneapolis has a much higher median household income than Milwaukee—$76,332 versus $49,733 (US $75,149). Milwaukee’s poverty rate is 7.1% higher than in Minneapolis.
Neither city boasts low crime rates, but Milwaukee’s is slightly lower, according to the FBI.
Milwaukee experiences 28% less crime than Minneapolis.
Milwaukee and Minneapolis each offer a rich array of attractions, fine dining, and nightlife. In Milwaukee, the Milwaukee Art Museum and Pabst Mansion showcase the city’s culture, while Sanford and Lakefront Brewery provide delicious dining options. Nightlife thrives at SITE 1A and The Jazz Estate.
Minneapolis boasts the Guthrie Theater and Walker Art Center, with dining highlights like Spoon and Stable and The Herbivorous Butcher. First Avenue and The Exchange & Alibi Lounge are top spots for an exciting night out. Both cities promise a vibrant and diverse experience for visitors and residents alike. CBS News suggests First Avenue and The Gay 90s for the under-21 crowd seeking some excitement. Minneapolis, in comparison to Milwaukee, has more options and a larger downtown area.
Both cities offer amazing dining options and fun things to do. Minneapolis has 180 parks versus Milwaukee's 150, meaning there are probably more bike paths and walking areas in Mill City.
Milwaukee and Minneapolis both experience a variety of weather throughout the year. On Lake Michigan's shores, Milwaukee enjoys milder winters compared to Minneapolis but still sees significant snowfall and cold temperatures.
Summers are warm and humid, which can be nice for outdoor activities along the lakefront but oppressive at the warmest points of the summer. Minneapolis’s inland experiences colder and snowier winters, often with extended periods of below-freezing temperatures. Summers are warm and can be humid, ideal for enjoying the city's parks and lakes. Both cities see a full range of seasons, offering residents and visitors a dynamic climate year-round.
Both cities offer ample job opportunities and robust economies, but one may fit your needs better.
Minneapolis, part of the larger Twin Cities metropolitan area, boasts a diverse economy with leading industries in finance, government, manufacturing, healthcare, and retail. It is home to major corporations such as Target, Best Buy, and UnitedHealth Group. The city's economy benefits from its well-educated workforce and significant research and development activities, especially in medical technology and health informatics.
Milwaukee has historically been an industrial hub known for its brewing, manufacturing, and heavy industry sectors. Companies like Harley-Davidson and MillerCoors are iconic to the city; there are 40 Fortune 500 companies in Cream City. Milwaukee's economy has diversified recently, with growth in healthcare, education, and service industries. The city also has a vibrant small business scene and is experiencing a growing technology sector supported by institutions like the Milwaukee School of Engineering.
In the battle of living in Minneapolis vs Milwaukee sports teams, which city will reign as champion? Ultimately, it depends on your sports preferences.
Minneapolis boasts a diverse sports scene with the Minnesota Vikings (NFL) at U.S. Bank Stadium, which has a passionate fan base, and the Minnesota Twins (MLB) at Target Field, which possess three World Series titles. The Minnesota Timberwolves (NBA) and Minnesota Wild (NHL) also add to the city's vibrant sports culture. Hockey is most popular in northern regions, but cities have passionate fan bases.
Milwaukee has the Milwaukee Bucks (NBA) at Fiserv Forum and the Milwaukee Brewers (MLB) at American Family Field. While Minneapolis offers a broader range of major league teams, Milwaukee's recent success in basketball has created a more celebratory atmosphere.
If you’re an avid hockey fan, both cities will serve you well. However, if you’re most interested in basketball, you may want to consider Milwaukee as your forever home.
You're on a quest to find the best cities in the US, and now you're analyzing Minneapolis VS Milwaukee and which one is better to reside in. Milwaukee and Minneapolis, MN, boast beautiful attributes that people love; living in Minneapolis vs Milwaukee provides a more robust entertainment aspect, whereas Cream City has more natural wonders.
No matter which one you choose, you should call The Move Crew at (612) 361-6787; we have top Minneapolis movers ready to make your upcoming transition hassle-free and enjoyable. It’s 337 miles from Milwaukee to Minneapolis; don’t take this long trip alone—we’ve got you back.
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