Milwaukee is a great city—if you love beer, cheese, and weather that can’t make up its mind. But while the brats are plentiful and affordable, the rent isn’t always as forgiving. If you’d rather spend your money on something other than a shoebox-sized apartment, a handful of the most affordable Milwaukee suburbs offer more space, lower prices, and a much better chance of finding parking.
Milwaukee’s housing market at a glance
Milwaukee is known for its lakefront views, legendary beer scene, and hard working people, but the housing costs can put a serious dent in your budget. Fortunately, several of the most affordable Milwaukee suburbs offer more affordable alternatives with extra space and a short commute to the city. Here’s a quick look at Milwaukee’s current housing prices before diving into ten of the top budget-friendly suburbs.
| Average 1-bedroom rent in Milwaukee | $1,717 |
| Average 2-bedroom rent in Milwaukee | $2,325 |
| Median home price in Milwaukee | $213,750 |
1. Racine
If you’ve ever wanted to live near Lake Michigan without spending your life savings, Racine is basically the cheat code.
- Average 1-bedroom rent: $910
- Distance from Milwaukee: 25 miles south
- Drive time to Milwaukee: About 30 minutes
At $910 per month on average for a 1-bedroom, Racine is the most affordable Milwaukee suburb on this list. The Racine Zoo has stunning lakefront views alongside some of the most exotic animals you’ll find in Wisconsin. Wind Point Lighthouse is perfect for history buffs, photographers, and anyone who enjoys the sound of crashing waves. Housing options in Racine range from budget-friendly apartments to charming older homes..
2. Franklin
A suburb where you can ski in the winter, hike in the summer, and pay rent all year without selling off the family heirlooms.
- Average 1-bedroom rent: $1,128
- Distance from Milwaukee: 13 miles southwest
- Drive time to Milwaukee: About 20 minutes
At $1,128 per month for a 1-bedroom, Franklin is ideal for people who love green spaces and not going broke. Whitnall Park is the largest park in Milwaukee County. The park has hiking trails, picnic spots, and golf courses for those who like their outdoor time with a side of frustration. If you’re more of a winter sports person, The Rock Sports Complex supports skiing and snowboarding. Housing options in this affordable Milwaukee suburb are a mix of affordable apartments, townhomes, and single-family houses.
3. Greenfield
The kind of place where you can go from a scenic botanical garden to a farmers market to your affordable apartment all before lunch.
- Average 1-bedroom rent: $1,165
- Distance from Milwaukee: 7 miles southwest
- Drive time to Milwaukee: About 15 minutes
With an average 1-bedroom rent of $1,165 per month, Greenfield is the perfect suburb for people who like cheap rent and quick commutes. The Boerner Botanical Gardens has colorful blooms and walking paths. Konkel Park hosts concerts, farmers markets, and walking clubs Housing options in Greenfield range from affordable apartments to townhouses, with plenty of suburban charm and none of the downtown pricing.
4. New Berlin
A town where people actually enjoy spending time outside, and the rent prices don’t punish you for it.
- Average 1-bedroom rent: $1,210
- Distance from Milwaukee: 12 miles southwest
- Drive time to Milwaukee: About 20 minutes
At $1,210 per month for a 1-bedroom apartment, New Berlin is where you go if you want solid schools, big parks, and the occasional round of golf. Malone Park is a local favorite with playgrounds, sports facilities, and enough green space to make you consider becoming a frisbee person. New Berlin Hills Golf Course is a scenic 18-hole course that will remind you why you never went pro. Housing includes affordable apartments, townhomes, and houses with actual yards, making it a great option for those who want suburban comfort without paying a fortune.
5. Grafton
If you’ve ever wanted to live near stunning lake bluffs but still afford groceries, Grafton is your best bet.
- Average 1-bedroom rent: $1,225
- Distance from Milwaukee: 20 miles north
- Drive time to Milwaukee: About 25 minutes
At $1,225 per month on average for a 1-bedroom, Grafton offers Lake Michigan views without the Milwaukee price tag. Lion’s Den Gorge Nature Preserve features stunning bluffs, walking trails, and boardwalks that make you forget you’re in Wisconsin. Meanwhile, Downtown Grafton is home to cute shops, great restaurants, and Paramount Plaza, a tribute to the town’s musical heritage..
6. Brown Deer
A suburb with parks, golf courses, and a rent price that suggests someone in city planning still has a soul.
- Average 1-bedroom rent: $1,411
- Distance from Milwaukee: 12 miles north
- Drive time to Milwaukee: About 20 minutes
With an average 1-bedroom rent of $1,411 per month, Brown Deer is a great spot to settle down. Brown Deer Park has an 18-hole golf course, walking trails, and a lagoon that only adds to the peaceful atmosphere. If you’re into nature, the Schlitz Audubon Nature Center is nearby, offering trails and educational programs for anyone who enjoys knowing exactly what kind of bird just flew past their car. Housing options in Brown Deer range from modern apartments to spacious townhomes, making it a solid choice for renters who want a little extra space without breaking the bank.
7. Waukesha
A historic town with artsy energy, outdoor charm, and rent prices that let you afford a few hobbies.
- Average 1-bedroom rent: $1,415
- Distance from Milwaukee: 18 miles west
- Drive time to Milwaukee: About 30 minutes
At $1,415 per month for a 1-bedroom apartment, Waukesha is where you go if you want historic charm, artists mulling about, and lower rent. Fox River Park has scenic trails and picnic areas, perfect for weekend adventures. Historic Downtown Waukesha is packed with unique shops, restaurants, and art galleries, making it feel like a tiny, more affordable version of a big city.
8. West Allis
A suburb where the Wisconsin State Fair is the biggest event of the year, and honestly, that’s exactly how it should be.
- Average 1-bedroom rent: $1,535
- Distance from Milwaukee: 6 miles west
- Drive time to Milwaukee: About 15 minutes
Coming in at $1,535 per month for a 1-bedroom, West Allis is the kind of place where you can afford rent and still have money left for beer and brats. The Wisconsin State Fair Park is the main attraction, hosting the annual Wisconsin State Fair. The West Allis Farmers Market is one of the oldest in the area, offering fresh produce, local goods, and plenty of people who actually know how to pick a good tomato.
9. Menomonee Falls
A place where you can hike a scenic trail, explore a historic village, and still have enough money left over to stock up on the finest Wisconsin cheeses.
- Average 1-bedroom rent: $1,557
- Distance from Milwaukee: 16 miles northwest
- Drive time to Milwaukee: About 25 minutes
At $1,557 per month for a 1-bedroom, Menomonee Falls is one of the top affordable Milwaukee suburbs. Menomonee Park is the suburb’s crown jewel, with a swimming beach, hiking trails, and picnic areas. History buffs can explore Old Falls Village, a historical park showcasing preserved buildings and artifacts that will make you feel like you should have paid more attention in history class. Housing options include apartments, townhomes, and suburban houses with yards big enough for a grill and at least one overambitious gardening project.
10. Oak Creek
If you want lakefront views, modern conveniences, and just enough suburbia to make you feel like a real adult, Oak Creek delivers.
- Average 1-bedroom rent: $1,629
- Distance from Milwaukee: 12 miles south
- Drive time to Milwaukee: About 20 minutes
At $1,629 per month for a 1-bedroom, Oak Creek is the priciest suburb on this list, but you’re paying for lakefront views. Bender Park offers hiking trails, a boat launch, and stunning views of Lake Michigan—perfect for early morning walks or dramatic sunset Instagram posts. Drexel Town Square is a mixed-use development with restaurants, shopping, and community events, which means you don’t have to visit friends living in Milwaukee to have a social life. Housing options range from high-end apartments to newly built townhomes and single-family homes, making Oak Creek ideal for renters of all preferences.
Make an affordable Milwaukee suburb your home
Finding affordable Milwaukee suburbs isn’t impossible—you just have to know where to look. If you want low rent with lakefront views, Racine is your best bet. Looking for great parks and quick access to the city? Franklin and Greenfield have you covered. Want a suburb with history, charm, and enough space to breathe? Waukesha might be the move.
No matter what your budget is, there’s an affordable Milwaukee suburb where you can actually afford to live—and still have money left over for cheese curds.Affordability is based on whether a suburb’s one-bedroom rent was less than Milwaukee’s average rent and under 30 miles from downtown Milwaukee. Average rental data from Milwaukee rental market trends in February, 2025. Population data sourced from the United States Census Bureau.
