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

Milwaukee

Wisconsin
67
VS

Bakersfield

California
104

Milwaukee is 36% cheaper than Bakersfield.

$1,033/mo ↓ 25%
Median Rent
$1,371/mo ↑ 33%
$51,888/yr ↓ 33%
Median Income
$77,397/yr ↑ 49%
$172,000 ↓ 50%
Home Value
$347,300 ↑ 102%
$1,082/mo ↓ 30%
Owner Costs
$1,540/mo ↑ 42%
569,756
Population
408,366

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
21.3%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Milwaukee, WI and Bakersfield, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 67 and 104 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $338/month cheaper in Milwaukee, saving renters about $4,056/year.

Median household income is $25,509/year higher in Bakersfield. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Milwaukee is $172,000 compared to $347,300 in Bakersfield.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Milwaukee vs Bakersfield — common questions

Is Milwaukee or Bakersfield cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Milwaukee is cheaper to live in with an index of 67 compared to 104 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Milwaukee and Bakersfield?
Median rent in Milwaukee is $1,033/month and in Bakersfield it's $1,371/month — a difference of $338/month.
Which city has higher income, Milwaukee or Bakersfield?
Median household income is $51,888 in Milwaukee and $77,397 in Bakersfield. Median household income is $25,509/year higher in Bakersfield.
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 Bakersfield?
It depends on your priorities. Milwaukee has a cost index of 67 with median rent of $1,033/mo, while Bakersfield has a cost index of 104 with rent of $1,371/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
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