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

Milwaukee

Wisconsin
67
VS

East Los Angeles

California
134

Milwaukee is 50% cheaper than East Los Angeles.

$1,033/mo ↓ 28%
Median Rent
$1,431/mo ↑ 39%
$51,888/yr ↓ 24%
Median Income
$68,378/yr ↑ 32%
$172,000 ↓ 72%
Home Value
$613,600 ↑ 257%
$1,082/mo ↓ 26%
Owner Costs
$1,458/mo ↑ 35%
569,756
Population
114,617

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
25.1%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Milwaukee, WI and East Los Angeles, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 67 and 134 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $398/month cheaper in Milwaukee, saving renters about $4,776/year.

Median household income is $16,490/year higher in East Los Angeles. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Milwaukee is $172,000 compared to $613,600 in East Los Angeles.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Milwaukee vs East Los Angeles — common questions

Is Milwaukee or East Los Angeles cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Milwaukee is cheaper to live in with an index of 67 compared to 134 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Milwaukee and East Los Angeles?
Median rent in Milwaukee is $1,033/month and in East Los Angeles it's $1,431/month — a difference of $398/month.
Which city has higher income, Milwaukee or East Los Angeles?
Median household income is $51,888 in Milwaukee and $68,378 in East Los Angeles. Median household income is $16,490/year higher in East Los Angeles.
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 East Los Angeles?
It depends on your priorities. Milwaukee has a cost index of 67 with median rent of $1,033/mo, while East Los Angeles has a cost index of 134 with rent of $1,431/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Milwaukee details → View East Los Angeles details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Milwaukee and East Los Angeles

Milwaukee vs. Baltimore Milwaukee vs. Albuquerque Milwaukee vs. Louisville Milwaukee vs. Fresno Milwaukee vs. Memphis Milwaukee vs. Tucson East Los Angeles vs. Lowell East Los Angeles vs. Carlsbad East Los Angeles vs. League City East Los Angeles vs. Waterbury East Los Angeles vs. High Point East Los Angeles vs. Provo