Cost of Living: Los Angeles, CA vs Milwaukee, WI (2026)

Los Angeles

California
187
VS

Milwaukee

Wisconsin
67

Los Angeles is 179% more expensive than Milwaukee.

$1,879/mo ↑ 82%
Median Rent
$1,033/mo ↓ 45%
$80,366/yr ↑ 55%
Median Income
$51,888/yr ↓ 35%
$879,500 ↑ 411%
Home Value
$172,000 ↓ 80%
$2,055/mo ↑ 90%
Owner Costs
$1,082/mo ↓ 47%
3,857,897
Population
569,756

Tax Comparison

13.3%
Income Tax
7.65%
7.25%
State Sales Tax
5.0%
0.71%
Property Tax
1.61%

Affordability

28.1%
rent-to-income
Affordability
23.9%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Los Angeles, CA and Milwaukee, WI, the overall cost of living indices are 187 and 67 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $846/month cheaper in Milwaukee, saving renters about $10,152/year.

Median household income is $28,478/year higher in Los Angeles. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Los Angeles is $879,500 compared to $172,000 in Milwaukee.

Wisconsin has a lower income tax rate, making Milwaukee slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Los Angeles vs Milwaukee — common questions

Is Los Angeles or Milwaukee cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Milwaukee is cheaper to live in with an index of 67 compared to 187 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Los Angeles and Milwaukee?
Median rent in Los Angeles is $1,879/month and in Milwaukee it's $1,033/month — a difference of $846/month.
Which city has higher income, Los Angeles or Milwaukee?
Median household income is $80,366 in Los Angeles and $51,888 in Milwaukee. Median household income is $28,478/year higher in Los Angeles.
How do taxes compare between California and Wisconsin?
California has 13.3% income tax, 7.25% sales tax, and 0.71% property tax. Wisconsin has 7.65% income tax, 5.0% sales tax, and 1.61% property tax.
Should I move to Los Angeles or Milwaukee?
It depends on your priorities. Los Angeles has a cost index of 187 with median rent of $1,879/mo, while Milwaukee has a cost index of 67 with rent of $1,033/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Los Angeles details → View Milwaukee details →

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