Can A Carpenter Afford Rent in Milwaukee, WI?
Stretched but workable — rent takes 30.2% of gross income.
Milwaukee rent: July 2026. Salary: BLS OEWS May 2024 (Wisconsin state estimate).
About rent and a carpenter salary
Carpenter pay sits modestly above the US median household income and covers comfortable rent in most lower- and mid-cost metros. Union carpenters in high-cost cities often earn well above the BLS mean. At the national-average carpenter salary, the 30% rule supports about $1,524 a month in rent.
Cheaper rent nearby
These Wisconsin cities have lower median rent than Milwaukee, which improves the affordability math on a carpenter salary:
Compare with full rent data for Milwaukee
View full rent data for Milwaukee, WI →Frequently asked questions
Can a carpenter afford rent in Milwaukee, WI?
Median rent in Milwaukee is $1,458 a month. A typical carpenter in Wisconsin earns about $57,893 a year, which makes that rent 30.2% of gross monthly income. Under the 30% rule, the answer is no — rent exceeds the 30% threshold.
How much rent can a carpenter afford in Milwaukee?
Using the 30% rule, a carpenter salary in Wisconsin (~$57,893/yr) supports up to $1,447 a month in rent. Milwaukee's current median rent is $1,458/mo, which is $11/mo over the affordability threshold.
How many hours does a carpenter work to cover rent in Milwaukee?
At an hourly equivalent of about $28 an hour, a carpenter in Wisconsin works roughly 52.4 hours a month to cover Milwaukee's median rent of $1,458.
Where is rent cheaper than Milwaukee for a carpenter?
Nearby Wisconsin cities with lower median rent include West Allis ($1,454/mo), Waukesha ($1,449/mo), Waukesha ($1,441/mo). Each shifts the affordability math materially on a carpenter salary.