The Midwest has always been one of the most affordable regions in the country. Low rent, reasonable home prices, and below-average food costs make it a strong option for anyone looking to stretch their income. The tradeoff is usually winters. We ranked every major Midwest metro by how much you keep after taxes and rent on a $75K salary.
2-BR Rent
$1,076/mo
Grocery Index
90
Dining Index
90
Median Home
$210,000
2-BR Rent
$1,042/mo
Grocery Index
91
Dining Index
93
Median Home
$220,000
2-BR Rent
$1,099/mo
Grocery Index
88
Dining Index
88
Median Home
$185,000
2-BR Rent
$1,218/mo
Grocery Index
91
Dining Index
95
Median Home
$230,000
2-BR Rent
$1,273/mo
Grocery Index
91
Dining Index
92
Median Home
$195,000
2-BR Rent
$1,268/mo
Grocery Index
91
Dining Index
93
Median Home
$185,000
2-BR Rent
$1,279/mo
Grocery Index
92
Dining Index
95
Median Home
$215,000
2-BR Rent
$1,353/mo
Grocery Index
93
Dining Index
95
Median Home
$280,000
2-BR Rent
$1,338/mo
Grocery Index
93
Dining Index
96
Median Home
$295,000
2-BR Rent
$1,318/mo
Grocery Index
91
Dining Index
93
Median Home
$245,000
Most Midwest metros benefit from low housing costs, but state income taxes vary quite a bit. Indiana and Ohio have flat-rate taxes, while Illinois and Minnesota have higher rates. That difference shows up in your take-home pay. Use VenScope to compare specific cities with your actual salary.
Compare Midwest cities side by sideData from IRS (2026 brackets), HUD Fair Market Rents (FY2026), BLS Consumer Price Index, and Zillow ZHVI.