Minneapolis vs Milwaukee: Which is Better? An Honest Review on Each City’s Cost, Culture, and More

Thinking about renting an apartment in Minneapolis, MN, or a rental in Milwaukee, WI? Both cities offer a unique blend of urban living and access to nature, but their vibes differ. Minneapolis attracts those drawn to arts and outdoor activities, while Milwaukee’s charm lies in its industrial roots and cultural festivals. Choosing the right city depends on whether you’re into Minneapolis’ modern, creative energy or Milwaukee’s historic, laid-back culture.

From job opportunities to lifestyle preferences, there's a lot to weigh between these two Midwest gems. Let’s break it all down in this ApartmentGuide article to help you decide which city fits your lifestyle better.

A tale of two Midwestern cities: Minneapolis vs Milwaukee in size and population

Minneapolis and Milwaukee are both major Midwestern hubs, but their geography and population densities create two very different living experiences. Minneapolis covers around 57 square miles, offering a mix of urban spaces and access to lakes and parks, making outdoor activities a key part of its culture. Milwaukee, slightly larger at 96 square miles, is similarly spread out but has a more industrial feel due to its manufacturing history and proximity to Lake Michigan.

In terms of population, Minneapolis is home to around 430,000 residents, while Milwaukee has about 577,000. Minneapolis' smaller geographic area results in a population density of approximately 7,500 people per square mile, allowing for more open space and greenery, contributing to its reputation as a city connected to nature. Milwaukee’s population density is about 6,000 people per square mile, giving it a more suburban feel in certain areas but still retaining its urban energy, particularly in the downtown and waterfront districts.

Cost of living in Minneapolis vs Milwaukee

Overall, the cost of living in Minneapolis is 7% lower than in Milwaukee. While both cities offer relatively affordable living compared to national standards, Minneapolis has several key areas where costs are notably lower. Here's a breakdown of the differences:

1. Utilities

Utilities in Minneapolis are about 7% lower than in Milwaukee. Despite Minneapolis’ colder winters and the resulting higher heating costs, Milwaukee’s utility costs are driven up by other factors such as water usage and local utility pricing. The slightly milder winters in Milwaukee don't fully offset these additional costs.

2. Groceries

Groceries in Minneapolis are 2% cheaper than in Milwaukee. Even with a strong demand for organic and specialty foods in Minneapolis, the city’s well-established supply chains and competitive markets help keep grocery prices slightly lower. Milwaukee’s proximity to agricultural regions helps, but overall grocery costs remain marginally higher.

3. Transportation

Transportation costs in Minneapolis and Milwaukee are roughly the same. Minneapolis has a more extensive public transit system, balancing out the potentially higher costs of gas and parking fees. Milwaukee, being smaller and more car-dependent, keeps transportation costs in line with Minneapolis, despite fewer public transit options.

4. Healthcare

Healthcare in Minneapolis is 9% less expensive than in Milwaukee. Minneapolis, with access to renowned healthcare facilities like the Mayo Clinic, might seem like it would have higher costs, but the wide availability of medical services across the city actually helps keep prices down. Milwaukee, while offering solid healthcare, doesn’t have as many high-end facilities, but costs remain slightly higher overall due to a smaller healthcare network.

5. Lifestyle

Lifestyle expenses in Minneapolis are 3% lower than in Milwaukee. Although Minneapolis offers a thriving arts scene and access to a variety of outdoor recreational activities, these costs are balanced by the city's competitive entertainment market. Milwaukee’s more industrial roots offer affordable options, but the broader cultural and recreational variety in Minneapolis keeps prices more competitive.

Housing in Minneapolis vs Milwaukee

Housing in Minneapolis

Minneapolis offers a diverse mix of housing options, with urban, suburban, and historic districts blending together. The city is known for its charming neighborhoods filled with older homes, modern condos, and apartment complexes, especially in areas like Uptown and North Loop. Outdoor living is a big part of life in Minneapolis, with many homes featuring patios, decks, or access to nearby lakes and parks. The city’s residential areas tend to offer more space and greenery, creating a laid-back, community-driven environment.

Housing Options:

• Studio Apartment: The average rent for a studio apartment in Minneapolis is around $1,195 per month, with prices varying based on the neighborhood and proximity to downtown.
• 1-Bedroom Apartment: A one-bedroom apartment in Minneapolis typically rents for about $1,649 per month, especially in areas like Uptown or the Mill District.
• Median Home Cost: The median sale price for a home in Minneapolis is approximately $350,000, offering a mix of single-family homes, duplexes, and condos, with some historic homes available in neighborhoods like Linden Hills.

Housing in Milwaukee

Milwaukee’s housing scene offers a blend of historic homes, mid-century designs, and modern developments. The city has a strong connection to its industrial past, and many Milwaukee neighborhoods feature brick homes and apartments with a vintage feel. In areas like Bay View and the East Side, you’ll find cozy bungalows and duplexes, while downtown offers modern condos with views of Lake Michigan. Milwaukee's neighborhoods often offer more affordability and character, with homes that provide plenty of space, front porches, and yards.

Housing Options:

• Studio Apartment: The average rent for a studio apartment in Milwaukee $1,445 is about $1,150 per month, with downtown areas and the Third Ward commanding higher prices.
• 1-Bedroom Apartment: A one-bedroom apartment in Milwaukee typically costs $1,717 per month in neighborhoods like the East Side or Walker’s Point.
• Median Home Cost: The median sale price for a home in Milwaukee is around $225,000, making it more affordable than Minneapolis, with a variety of older homes and modern developments available throughout the city.

The job market in Minneapolis vs Milwaukee

Minneapolis: A hub for healthcare, finance, and technology

Minneapolis boasts a diverse economy driven by key industries like healthcare, finance, education, and technology. The city has seen significant growth in these sectors, attracting professionals across various fields. With an employment rate of around 72% and a median household income of $81,000, Minneapolis offers a competitive job market with a range of opportunities.

The healthcare sector is particularly strong, with major employers like Mayo Clinic, UnitedHealth Group, and Allina Health, making it a key player in the local economy. Minneapolis is also home to major financial institutions such as U.S. Bank and Wells Fargo, and the tech industry continues to expand, with an increasing presence of startups and larger tech companies. The average hourly wage in Minneapolis is $33.80, further highlighting the city’s competitive wages across industries. Other prominent sectors include manufacturing, retail, and professional services, ensuring steady job growth and opportunities for residents.

Milwaukee: Strong in manufacturing and education

Milwaukee’s economy remains closely tied to its industrial roots, with manufacturing being a major driver. However, the city has diversified in recent years, with healthcare, education, and professional services becoming increasingly important sectors. Milwaukee has a median household income of $53,000, offering opportunities across various industries.

The city’s manufacturing industry is led by companies like Harley-Davidson and Rockwell Automation, while the healthcare sector has grown, with institutions like Aurora Health Care and Froedtert Hospital playing significant roles. Education is another key sector, with Marquette University and the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee among the largest employers. Milwaukee’s average hourly wage is $30.11, slightly lower than Minneapolis, but the city’s affordable cost of living helps balance this out. The growing professional services sector also adds to Milwaukee’s economic landscape, providing stable employment opportunities.

Transportation in Minneapolis vs Milwaukee

Minneapolis: A mix of cars, bikes, and growing public transit

Minneapolis offers a balanced mix of transportation options, with a strong biking culture and a growing public transit system. While many residents rely on cars for commuting, the city's bike-friendly infrastructure and light rail system are popular, especially in central areas. The city’s extensive parkways and bike trails, like the Midtown Greenway, make biking a viable option for daily commuting. Minneapolis also has a reliable bus network and the METRO light rail, which serves key areas including downtown, the airport, and the Mall of America. However, due to its more suburban layout, driving remains the primary mode of transportation for many.

• Walk Score: 71
• Bike Score: 83
• Transit Score: 55

Milwaukee: Car-focused with public transit options

Milwaukee is largely car-dependent, with most residents commuting by car due to the city’s suburban sprawl and a less extensive public transit system. The Milwaukee County Transit System (MCTS) offers bus routes that cover the city, but public transportation isn’t as widely used as in some other cities. For those living downtown or near the lakefront, biking is a more practical option, especially during the warmer months, thanks to a growing network of bike lanes. Milwaukee is also investing in walkability improvements, but its car-centric layout still dominates.

• Walk Score: 62
• Bike Score: 58
• Transit Score: 49

Travel options in and out of Minneapolis and Milwaukee

Both Minneapolis and Milwaukee offer a variety of travel options, with major airports and regional rail services providing access to other cities.

Minneapolis:

• Airports: Minneapolis–Saint Paul International Airport (MSP)
• Rail: Amtrak’s Empire Builder connects to Chicago and the Pacific Northwest
• Buses: Long-distance options like Greyhound, Megabus, and Jefferson Lines
• Bike-Share: Nice Ride Minnesota bike-sharing program is available in key neighborhoods
• Scooters: Electric scooters are available in certain parts of the city for quick trips

Milwaukee:

• Airports: General Mitchell International Airport (MKE)
• Rail: Amtrak’s Hiawatha Service connects to Chicago multiple times a day
• Buses: Options like Greyhound and Megabus for longer distances
• Biking: Bublr Bikes, a bike-sharing program, is available in central neighborhoods

Weather and climate in Minneapolis vs Milwaukee

Minneapolis’ climate and Milwaukee’s climate share a very similar climate, both experiencing all four distinct seasons. Summers in both cities are warm and humid, with temperatures often reaching the mid-80s, while winters are cold and snowy, with temperatures frequently dipping below freezing. Minneapolis tends to have slightly colder winters due to its location farther north, with heavier snowfall and longer stretches of cold weather. Both cities enjoy pleasant springs and falls, with colorful foliage in the autumn months. In terms of natural disasters, both cities are prone to occasional severe thunderstorms, tornadoes in the summer, and heavy snowstorms in the winter, but neither experiences frequent earthquakes or hurricanes.

Lifestyle and recreational opportunities in Minneapolis vs Milwaukee

What it’s like to live in Minneapolis

Life in Minneapolis strikes a balance between urban living and access to nature, with an emphasis on outdoor recreation, community engagement, and the arts. Residents enjoy the city’s extensive park system, with lakes and rivers providing ample opportunities for kayaking, biking, and running along scenic trails. In the winter, cross-country skiing and ice skating are popular pastimes. The city is also known for its thriving arts and theater scene, offering world-class performances at the Guthrie Theater and Walker Art Center. Locals often spend weekends exploring farmers' markets, craft breweries, and cultural festivals that celebrate the diversity of the community.

Indoor Activities:

• Attend a show at the Guthrie Theater
• Explore modern art at the Walker Art Center
• Visit the Mill City Museum
• Take a cooking class at Cooks of Crocus Hill
• Enjoy live music at First Avenue

Google Street View of First Avenue

Outdoor Activities:

• Paddleboarding on Lake Calhoun
• Biking the Grand Rounds Scenic Byway
• Ice skating at the Depot in the winter
• Hiking at Minnehaha Falls
• Cross-country skiing at Theodore Wirth Park

Google Street View of a trail in Theodore Wirth Park

Landmarks and parks around Minneapolis:

• Chain of Lakes Regional Park
• Stone Arch Bridge
• Minnehaha Falls
• Nicollet Mall
• Boom Island Park
• Mill Ruins Park
• Mississippi National River and Recreation Area
• Lake Harriet Rose Garden
• Sculpture Garden
• Fort Snelling State Park

What it’s like to live in Milwaukee

Living in Milwaukee offers a mix of historic charm, community spirit, and waterfront activities, all set against a backdrop of industrial and cultural heritage. Residents enjoy easy access to Lake Michigan, where sailing, kayaking, and biking along the shore are popular. The city also hosts numerous festivals throughout the year, including the world-famous Summerfest music festival. Milwaukee’s brewery scene is a major draw, with locals gathering at beer gardens and taprooms after work. The city is also home to an impressive art and museum scene, with cultural institutions like the Milwaukee Art Museum providing indoor entertainment during colder months.

Indoor Activities:

• Visit the Milwaukee Art Museum
• Take a tour of the Harley-Davidson Museum
• Explore the Pabst Mansion
• Attend a Milwaukee Bucks game at Fiserv Forum
• Discover local history at the Milwaukee Public Museum

Google Street View of the Milwaukee Art Museum

Outdoor Activities:

• Kayaking on the Milwaukee River
• Biking the Oak Leaf Trail
• Walking along the Milwaukee RiverWalk
• Sailing on Lake Michigan
• Attending a concert at the Summerfest grounds

Google Street View of  the Milwaukee RiverWalk and Bronz Fonz

Landmarks and parks around Milwaukee:

• Milwaukee Art Museum
• Lakefront Brewery
• Mitchell Park Domes
• Veterans Park
• Historic Third Ward
• Bradford Beach
• Cathedral Square Park
• Boerner Botanical Gardens
• Milwaukee RiverWalk
• Henry Maier Festival Park

Food and culture: The Mill City vs Brew City

The Mill City, Minneapolis, has a burgeoning food scene that blends Midwestern comfort with modern innovation. Known for iconic dishes like the Juicy Lucy burger and hotdish, Minneapolis also embraces its Scandinavian roots, offering unique flavors like lefse and lingonberry jams. The city is home to an array of food trucks and locally sourced restaurants, with a strong farm-to-table movement. In contrast, Brew City, Milwaukee, boasts a rich history in beer and bratwurst, with countless breweries dotting the landscape. Milwaukee’s food scene is deeply rooted in its German heritage, featuring dishes like pretzels, cheese curds, and sausages. Both cities celebrate their culinary culture with food and beer festivals, including Minneapolis’ Twin Cities Veg Fest and Milwaukee’s German Fest.

Culturally, The Mill City offers a thriving arts scene with institutions like the Walker Art Center and the Guthrie Theater, where contemporary performances and exhibits draw in locals and tourists alike. In contrast, Brew City’s cultural identity is intertwined with its industrial past, with venues like the Harley-Davidson Museum and the Milwaukee Art Museum showcasing the city’s history and creativity. Minneapolis’ nightlife offers a mix of downtown music venues and lakeside bars, while Milwaukee’s social scene centers around its historic breweries and laid-back beer gardens, making it a hub for relaxed gatherings.

Sports scene: Minneapolis vs Milwaukee

Minneapolis offers a diverse sports culture with teams in every major league, where fans passionately support local franchises year-round.

• Basketball (NBA): Minnesota Timberwolves
• Baseball (MLB): Minnesota Twins
• Football (NFL): Minnesota Vikings
• Soccer (MLS): Minnesota United FC
• Hockey (NHL): Minnesota Wild

Milwaukee’s sports scene is dominated by basketball and baseball, with residents rallying around their championship-winning Bucks and Brewers.

• Basketball (NBA): Milwaukee Bucks
• Baseball (MLB): Milwaukee Brewers
• Football (NFL): Green Bay Packers (supported, though based in Green Bay)

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