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

Milwaukee

Wisconsin
67
VS

Berkeley

California
251

Milwaukee is 73% cheaper than Berkeley.

$1,033/mo ↓ 51%
Median Rent
$2,127/mo ↑ 106%
$51,888/yr ↓ 52%
Median Income
$108,558/yr ↑ 109%
$172,000 ↓ 87%
Home Value
$1,351,100 ↑ 686%
$1,082/mo ↓ 54%
Owner Costs
$2,340/mo ↑ 116%
569,756
Population
120,223

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
23.5%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Milwaukee, WI and Berkeley, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 67 and 251 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $1,094/month cheaper in Milwaukee, saving renters about $13,128/year.

Median household income is $56,670/year higher in Berkeley. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Milwaukee is $172,000 compared to $1,351,100 in Berkeley.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Milwaukee vs Berkeley — common questions

Is Milwaukee or Berkeley cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Milwaukee is cheaper to live in with an index of 67 compared to 251 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Milwaukee and Berkeley?
Median rent in Milwaukee is $1,033/month and in Berkeley it's $2,127/month — a difference of $1,094/month.
Which city has higher income, Milwaukee or Berkeley?
Median household income is $51,888 in Milwaukee and $108,558 in Berkeley. Median household income is $56,670/year higher in Berkeley.
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 Berkeley?
It depends on your priorities. Milwaukee has a cost index of 67 with median rent of $1,033/mo, while Berkeley has a cost index of 251 with rent of $2,127/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Milwaukee details → View Berkeley details →

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