True Cost of Renting in Milwaukee

Milwaukee sits on Lake Michigan 90 miles north of Chicago, offering Midwest urban living at prices 40–50% below Chicago. The city's historic brewery architecture has been converted to condos and apartments, the Harley-Davidson Museum anchors the Menomonee Valley, and We Energies provides reliable electric at reasonable rates. A monthly Amtrak Hiawatha pass to Chicago costs $105 — making Milwaukee a genuine Chicago commuter option.

Neighborhoods & Average Rents

East Side / Brady Street

Studio:
$900/mo
1 Bed:
$1,150/mo
2 Bed:
$1,600/mo

Milwaukee's most walkable and vibrant neighborhood along Brady Street and North Avenue; University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee proximity, restaurants, bars, and coffee shops. Lake Michigan one mile east. We Energies electric. Street parking available with city sticker.

Historic Third Ward

Studio:
$1,100/mo
1 Bed:
$1,400/mo
2 Bed:
$2,000/mo

Milwaukee's design and arts district in converted warehouse buildings near the lakefront; high-end boutiques, art galleries, and restaurants. MCTS bus access. Premium amenity packages common in newer buildings. Milwaukee's most expensive neighborhood.

Walker's Point

Studio:
$900/mo
1 Bed:
$1,100/mo
2 Bed:
$1,600/mo

Arts and LGBTQ+ neighborhood south of Downtown; converted industrial buildings with loft character. Lower rents than Third Ward with same proximity to Downtown employment. Strong restaurant scene on South 5th Street and 2nd Street.

Bay View

Studio:
$800/mo
1 Bed:
$1,050/mo
2 Bed:
$1,500/mo

Residential neighborhood 3 miles south of Downtown on the lakefront; craftsman-era homes and apartment buildings with a strong community identity. KineticMKE, restaurants, and coffee shops on Kinnickinnic Avenue. MCTS bus. One of Milwaukee's most livable neighborhoods.

Wauwatosa

1 Bed:
$1,100/mo
2 Bed:
$1,600/mo

Milwaukee's most desirable inner suburb; Mayfair Road commercial corridor, Milwaukee County Research Park, and Medical College of Wisconsin employment. MCTS County Connector access. Excellent schools. Higher rents than city but lower than comparable Chicago suburbs.

Utility Providers

Electric
We Energies
Water
Milwaukee Water Works
Internet
Spectrum, AT&T Fiber, WideOpenWest (WOW)

Commute & Transportation

Milwaukee is 90 miles north of Chicago on I-94 — the Amtrak Hiawatha runs 7 times daily between Milwaukee and Chicago Union Station in 90 minutes ($25 one-way; monthly passes available around $250/mo for Chicago commuters). Milwaukee Mitchell International Airport (MKE) is 8 miles south of Downtown. The Milwaukee County Transit System (MCTS) provides bus service; there is no light rail in Milwaukee. I-94 connects to Chicago, while US-41 and I-43 serve north/south travel. Major employers: Northwestern Mutual (national HQ), Fiserv (national HQ), Kohl's (regional HQ), ManpowerGroup, Harley-Davidson, and a large healthcare corridor along Watertown Plank Road in Wauwatosa.

Rental Market Overview

Milwaukee offers genuine value for a major Midwest city. We Energies electric rates are competitive ($0.13–0.16/kWh). The Amtrak Hiawatha creates a real commuter option to Chicago — some renters specifically choose Milwaukee to cut housing costs by $800–1,200/month and absorb the commute cost. Wisconsin winters are harsh; heating cost in older Milwaukee apartment stock (common) runs $150–250/month November through March. The Historic Third Ward attracts corporate professionals and creative-class renters; Brady Street draws university staff and younger renters; Bay View attracts renters who prioritize community over urban density.

Data last updated: 2026-04

Compare Apartments in Milwaukee

Enter your rental options below to see the true all-in monthly cost.

Renting in Milwaukee: Common Questions

What is the average rent in Milwaukee?
One-bedroom apartments in Milwaukee range from $1,050/month in Bay View to $1,400/month in Historic Third Ward. Two-bedroom units range from $1,500 to $2,000/month. These are base rents — add fees, utilities, and amenity costs to get the true all-in monthly cost.
What utilities do I need to set up in Milwaukee?
In Milwaukee, electricity is provided by We Energies, water by Milwaukee Water Works, and common internet providers include Spectrum, AT&T Fiber, WideOpenWest (WOW). Check whether your lease includes water or trash — some buildings bundle these into rent while others charge separately. Always ask the leasing office for the average monthly utility bill before signing.
What neighborhoods are affordable in Milwaukee?
Bay View is one of the most affordable neighborhoods in Milwaukee, with one-bedroom apartments averaging $1,050/month. Residential neighborhood 3 miles south of Downtown on the lakefront; craftsman-era homes and apartment buildings with a strong community identity. KineticMKE, restaurants, and coffee shops on Kinnickinnic Avenue. MCTS bus. One of Milwaukee's most livable neighborhoods. Remember to factor in commute costs and parking fees when comparing neighborhoods — a cheaper base rent farther from work may cost more overall.
Is Milwaukee expensive to rent in?
Milwaukee offers genuine value for a major Midwest city. We Energies electric rates are competitive ($0.13–0.16/kWh). Use RentCompare to calculate the true all-in cost for any apartment in Milwaukee — base rent alone does not tell the full story.

Explore Other Wisconsin Cities

Green BayMadisonAnchorageAKFairbanksAKBirminghamALHuntsvilleAL