Minneapolis vs. Milwaukee: Which City is Right for You? Comparison of real estate, cost of living, culture and more

You may consider a or onebecause these two Midwestern cities share a rich cultural history and love of the arts. Minneapolis boasts a thriving job market and vibrant lakeside neighborhoods, while Milwaukee offers a lower cost of living and a reputation for its brewing heritage. Whether you're drawn to the bustling streets of Minneapolis or the riverside charm of Milwaukee, choosing the right city to call home is a big decision.

From real estate prices and job opportunities to living and cultural experiences, there's a lot to consider. In this Redfin article, we'll explore the key differences to help you decide which city is best for your next getaway.

Flat in Minneapolis vs. Milwaukee

Minneapolis and Milwaukee offer unique housing markets that balance city life and suburban charm. Let's compare the key differences in housing costs, location and lifestyle between these two Midwest cities.

Apartment in Minneapolis

Minneapolis has a diverse housing market, ranging from modern condos to classic Craftsman style homes as and . The city's blend of urban energy and lakeside living appeals to professionals and families alike. Minneapolis is known for its strong housing market and vibrant community life, offering options for every budget and style.

Apartment in Milwaukee

Milwaukee's housing market is more affordable, with historically charming homes asand. The city offers a range of living styles, from cozy bungalows to modern apartments in the heart of the city. Milwaukee's affordability, combined with its strong sense of community, makes it an attractive choice for both buyers and renters.

Cost of living in Minneapolis vs. Milwaukee

7% higher than the cost of living in Minneapolis, MN. Differences in utilities, food, transportation and healthcare contribute to much of the gap.

1. Utilities

Utilities in Milwaukee are about 1% cheaper than in Minneapolis. Minneapolis' harsh winters lead to higher heating costs, while Milwaukee's milder climate contributes to lower utility costs.

2. Grocery store

Groceries cost about the same in Minneapolis and Milwaukee. Both cities benefit from Midwest agriculture, resulting in similar prices, though Milwaukee's smaller population sometimes offers a slight savings.

3. Transportation

Transportation costs in Milwaukee are about 6% more expensive than in Minneapolis. While Minneapolis has a robust public transit system and bike-friendly infrastructure, Milwaukee's commuting costs are higher due to fewer public transit options and reliance on cars.

4. Healthcare

Healthcare in Milwaukee is about 6% more expensive than in Minneapolis. Although Minneapolis has a concentration of specialty medical facilities, Milwaukee's health care costs are higher than Minneapolis due to less competitive options.

5. Lifestyle

Cost of living in Milwaukee is about 2% more expensive than in Minneapolis. While Minneapolis offers a wider variety of cultural and recreational activities, Milwaukee's growing arts and dining scene has made costs a bit more expensive.

Size and Population of Minneapolis vs. Milwaukee: A Midwest Comparison

Minneapolis and Milwaukee, two large Midwest cities, exhibit different characteristics in terms of size and population. Minneapolis covers an area of ​​57 square miles with a population of approx creating a vibrant and vibrant urban core. At just over 96 square miles, Milwaukee has a population of approx making it more spacious but equally energetic. Minneapolis offers a more compact and walkable urban experience with plenty of green space around its many lakes, while Milwaukee's larger footprint balances city life with access to its iconic riverfront and Lake Michigan shoreline. Both cities provide a dynamic mix of metropolitan and natural attractions that appeal to a variety of lifestyles.

Weather and climate in Minneapolis vs Milwaukee

and both experience a classic Midwest climate with hot, humid summers and long, cold winters. Minneapolis sees colder and snowier winters due to its location further north, while Milwaukee benefits from the moderating influence of Lake Michigan, making winters somewhat milder but more prone to lake-effect snows. Summers are hot in both cities, although Milwaukee's proximity to the lake keeps temperatures slightly cooler. Both cities are at risk of occasional severe thunderstorms and tornadoes during the warmer months, while Minneapolis generally experiences harsher winter conditions.

The job market in Minneapolis vs. Milwaukee

Minneapolis: A diverse and growing economy

Minneapolis has a diverse job market with strong sectors in finance, healthcare and manufacturing. Major employers such as Target, UnitedHealth Group and 3M are fueling the city's economic growth. The employment rate in Minneapolis is approxwith median household income . Average hourly wage reflecting the city's strong earnings potential, particularly in industries such as healthcare, technology and retail.

Milwaukee: Industrial and brewing heritage

Milwaukee's job market is based on manufacturing, healthcare and the popular beer industry. Companies like Harley-Davidson, Aurora Health Care and Molson Coors provide a steady stream of job opportunities. Milwaukee's employment rate is approxwith median household income . Average hourly wage offers competitive earnings in sectors such as advanced manufacturing, healthcare and brewing, and a lower cost of living than Minneapolis.

Transportation in Minneapolis vs. Milwaukee

Minneapolis: Convenient to transit and biking

Minneapolis has a well-connected transportation system, including Metro Transit buses and light rail services such as the Blue and Green Lines, which make commuting a breeze. The city is very bike-friendly, with extensive bike lanes and paths, such as the Midtown Greenway. Although car ownership is common, public transport and cycling are widely used, particularly in the city centre.

Milwaukee: Transit is walkable with room to grow

Milwaukee offers a compact and walkable downtown that provides public transit options with The Hop streetcar and Milwaukee County Transit System buses. Although not as extensive as Minneapolis, cycling is supported by bike lanes and trails along Lake Michigan. Car ownership is widespread due to the city's sprawling neighborhoods and limited transit access outside of central areas.

Travel through Minneapolis and Milwaukee

Both Minneapolis and Milwaukee are well-connected transportation hubs in the Midwest and offer a variety of travel options to meet regional and national needs.

• Minneapolis: Minneapolis-Saint Paul International Airport (MSP) is a major hub for domestic and international flights, serving as a major connection point in the Midwest. Amtrak's Empire Builder line connects Minneapolis with Chicago and Seattle. Greyhound and Megabus provide regional bus services, and the Metro Transit system makes navigating the Twin Cities easy. The city's location near the Mississippi River also allows for scenic river cruises in the warmer months.
• Milwaukee: General Mitchell International Airport serves Milwaukee with domestic and some international flights, connecting Milwaukee to Chicago with frequent daily routes via US Amtrak's Hiawatha Service. Greyhound and Megabus buses provide additional travel options, and Lake Michigan ferries offer a unique way to reach Michigan and other destinations along the Great Lakes.

Lifestyle and things to do in Minneapolis and Milwaukee

A day in the life of a Minneapolis

Life in Minneapolis combines urban energy with natural beauty. Mornings can start with a bike ride along the Chain of Lakes or coffee in a cafe. The city's thriving arts scene draws residents to galleries and theaters like the Guthrie. Evenings are often spent dining at a farm-to-table restaurant or catching a live performance on First Avenue. Weekends can include kayaking on the Mississippi River or attending one of the city's many festivals.

Top things to do in Minneapolis:

Google Street View of the Mill City Museum

Minneapolis parks and outdoor activities:

Google Street View of Minnehaha Falls Park

Minneapolis attractions:

• Minneapolis Sculpture Garden
• Mall of America (nearby)
• Minnehaha Falls
• Mill City Museum
• Target Area

A day in the life of Milwaukee

Milwaukee life combines rich history with convenience. Mornings can start with a stroll along the RiverWalk or a cup of coffee at the Third Ward Cafe. Residents enjoy visiting breweries, dining at local restaurants, or attending festivals like Summerfest. The city's vibrant lakefront offers opportunities to swim or bike along Lake Michigan. Evenings are often spent enjoying live music at a Bucks game or at historic venues.

Top things to do in Milwaukee:

Google Street View of the Milwaukee Art Museum

Milwaukee parks and outdoor activities:

Google Street View of Oak Leaf Trail

Milwaukee attractions:

• Milwaukee Art Museum
• Harley-Davidson Museum
• Mitchell Park Domes
• Milwaukee Public Market
• Discovery World Center for Science and Technology

Food and culture in Minneapolis and Milwaukee

Minneapolis: a melting pot of flavors and creativity

Minneapolis is a foodie's paradise, offering a mix of traditional Midwest comfort food and international cuisine. is a local favorite, but the city also has a variety of dining options, including Scandinavian, Ethiopian and Vietnamese food. Cultural festivals of Minneapolis, for example and bring people together to celebrate food, music and art. In the city's thriving arts scene, renowned institutions like the Walker Art Center and live music venues like First Avenue make Minneapolis a cultural hub.

Milwaukee: Beer, brats and more

Milwaukee's food culture is deeply intertwined with its brewing history, with craft breweries and beer gardens scattered throughout the city. Classic Wisconsin fare, like cheese curds and bratwurst, are must-trys, but Milwaukee's dining scene also includes a growing number of global cuisines. events like and Celebrate the city's vibrant culture with food, music and art. Milwaukee's cultural highlights include the Milwaukee Art Museum and historic theaters like the Pabst, which host performances from Broadway shows to local acts.

Minneapolis and Milwaukee sports scene

Minneapolis: Various teams lineup

Minneapolis offers a vibrant sports scene with major teams in multiple leagues, including the Minnesota Vikings (NFL), Twins (MLB), Timberwolves (NBA) and Wild (NHL). The city is also home to Minnesota United FC for soccer fans provides a state-of-the-art space. Minneapolis' sports culture is fueled by college teams, particularly the University of Minnesota's Golden Gophers, and a commitment to outdoor activities such as cycling, running and winter sports.

Milwaukee: Passionate fans and local pride

Milwaukee's sports culture is built on a passionate fan base, led by the Milwaukee Brewers (MLB) and Bucks (NBA). The Bucks' recent NBA championship raised the city's basketball enthusiasm becoming a central hub for sports and entertainment. Milwaukee also has soccer coverage through Forward Madison FC and college athletics from Marquette University. The city's annual events, such as the Lakefront Marathon, combine professional sports with community participation, adding to its strong athletic culture.