Elder Care Cost: Chicago, IL vs Milwaukee, WI (2026)
Milwaukee, WI assisted living runs $4,500/month — $400/month less than Chicago, IL's $4,900/month. That's $4,800/year.
Chicago, IL, IL
$4,900
assisted living/month
+$400 vs national avg
Milwaukee, WI, WI
$4,500
assisted living/month
+$0 vs national avg
Chicago, IL vs Milwaukee, WI — All Care Types
Monthly costs. Green = lower cost. National average shown for context.
| Care Type | Chicago, IL | Milwaukee, WI |
|---|---|---|
| Assisted Living | $4,900/mo | $4,500/mo ✓ |
| Nursing Home (Private) | $9,500/mo ✓ | $9,900/mo |
| In-Home Aide | $5,700/mo | $5,400/mo ✓ |
| Memory Care | $6,800/mo | $6,300/mo ✓ |
| Adult Day Care | $1,700/mo | $1,550/mo ✓ |
Source: Genworth/CareScout Cost of Care Survey. 2026 estimates.
Annual Cost Impact
For assisted living, Milwaukee, WI costs $54,000/year vs Chicago, IL's $58,800/year.
Monthly savings
$400
Annual savings
$4,800
2-year total savings
$9,600
% difference
9%
Savings = Chicago, IL cost minus Milwaukee, WI cost. Assisted living only.
Overall, Milwaukee, WI is more affordable — lower cost on 4 of 5 care types.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is elder care cheaper in Chicago, IL or Milwaukee, WI?
Milwaukee, WI has lower assisted living costs at $4,500/month vs. $4,900/month in Chicago, IL — a difference of $400/month ($4,800/year).
What types of elder care are compared here?
This page compares five common senior care types: assisted living, nursing home (private room), in-home aide (44 hrs/week), memory care, and adult day care. These cover the full range from part-time supervision to full residential skilled nursing care.
How do these cities compare to the national average?
The national average for assisted living is $4,500/month. Chicago, IL is $400 above the national average. Milwaukee, WI is $0 above the national average.