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

Milwaukee

Wisconsin
67
VS

Anaheim

California
182

Milwaukee is 63% cheaper than Anaheim.

$1,033/mo ↓ 50%
Median Rent
$2,082/mo ↑ 102%
$51,888/yr ↓ 43%
Median Income
$90,583/yr ↑ 75%
$172,000 ↓ 78%
Home Value
$771,700 ↑ 349%
$1,082/mo ↓ 50%
Owner Costs
$2,165/mo ↑ 100%
569,756
Population
344,553

Tax Comparison

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

Affordability

23.9%
rent-to-income
Affordability
27.6%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Milwaukee, WI and Anaheim, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 67 and 182 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $1,049/month cheaper in Milwaukee, saving renters about $12,588/year.

Median household income is $38,695/year higher in Anaheim. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Milwaukee is $172,000 compared to $771,700 in Anaheim.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Milwaukee vs Anaheim — common questions

Is Milwaukee or Anaheim cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Milwaukee is cheaper to live in with an index of 67 compared to 182 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Milwaukee and Anaheim?
Median rent in Milwaukee is $1,033/month and in Anaheim it's $2,082/month — a difference of $1,049/month.
Which city has higher income, Milwaukee or Anaheim?
Median household income is $51,888 in Milwaukee and $90,583 in Anaheim. Median household income is $38,695/year higher in Anaheim.
How do taxes compare between Wisconsin and California?
Wisconsin has 7.65% income tax, 5.0% sales tax, and 1.61% property tax. California has 13.3% income tax, 7.25% sales tax, and 0.71% property tax.
Should I move to Milwaukee or Anaheim?
It depends on your priorities. Milwaukee has a cost index of 67 with median rent of $1,033/mo, while Anaheim has a cost index of 182 with rent of $2,082/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
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