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

Milwaukee

Wisconsin
67
VS

Costa Mesa

California
228

Milwaukee is 71% cheaper than Costa Mesa.

$1,033/mo ↓ 57%
Median Rent
$2,395/mo ↑ 132%
$51,888/yr ↓ 53%
Median Income
$110,073/yr ↑ 112%
$172,000 ↓ 84%
Home Value
$1,054,700 ↑ 513%
$1,082/mo ↓ 56%
Owner Costs
$2,462/mo ↑ 128%
569,756
Population
110,538

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
26.1%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Milwaukee, WI and Costa Mesa, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 67 and 228 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $1,362/month cheaper in Milwaukee, saving renters about $16,344/year.

Median household income is $58,185/year higher in Costa Mesa. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Milwaukee is $172,000 compared to $1,054,700 in Costa Mesa.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Milwaukee vs Costa Mesa — common questions

Is Milwaukee or Costa Mesa cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Milwaukee is cheaper to live in with an index of 67 compared to 228 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Milwaukee and Costa Mesa?
Median rent in Milwaukee is $1,033/month and in Costa Mesa it's $2,395/month — a difference of $1,362/month.
Which city has higher income, Milwaukee or Costa Mesa?
Median household income is $51,888 in Milwaukee and $110,073 in Costa Mesa. Median household income is $58,185/year higher in Costa Mesa.
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 Costa Mesa?
It depends on your priorities. Milwaukee has a cost index of 67 with median rent of $1,033/mo, while Costa Mesa has a cost index of 228 with rent of $2,395/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Milwaukee details → View Costa Mesa details →

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