Salary Comparison
Construction Laborers: Milwaukee vs Washington
Side-by-side salary, take-home pay, cost of living, and lifestyle score.
Milwaukee, WI
$46,785/yr
Washington, DC
$61,283/yr
Our recommendation: Milwaukee, WI
Milwaukee offers $398 more per month in disposable income, giving a stronger financial outcome despite a lower gross salary.
Full Breakdown
Milwaukee
Washington
Diff (A−B)
Annual Gross Salary
$46,785
$61,283
$14,498
A vs B
Monthly Take-Home
After estimated federal + state taxes
$2,846
$3,728
$882
A vs B
Cost of Living Index
Lower is more affordable. US avg = 100
85
132
-47 pts
A vs B
Monthly Living Costs
Housing, food, transport, utilities, healthcare
$2,275
$3,555
$1,280
A vs B
Monthly Rent
$1,240
$2,180
$940
A vs B
Monthly Disposable
$571
$173
+$398
A vs B
Purchasing Power Score
Take-home ÷ living costs. Higher is better
1.25×
1.05×
+0.20×
A vs B
Lifestyle Score
4/10 (Tight)
3/10 (Tight)
+1
A vs B
Milwaukee — Full Details
Washington — Full Details
Salary estimates based on BLS metro data. Cost of living from regional price indices. All figures are estimates; verify with employers before making decisions.