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

Milwaukee

Wisconsin
67
VS

Elk Grove

California
168

Milwaukee is 60% cheaper than Elk Grove.

$1,033/mo ↓ 53%
Median Rent
$2,180/mo ↑ 111%
$51,888/yr ↓ 58%
Median Income
$122,229/yr ↑ 136%
$172,000 ↓ 71%
Home Value
$603,400 ↑ 251%
$1,082/mo ↓ 51%
Owner Costs
$2,227/mo ↑ 106%
569,756
Population
177,221

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
21.4%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Milwaukee, WI and Elk Grove, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 67 and 168 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $1,147/month cheaper in Milwaukee, saving renters about $13,764/year.

Median household income is $70,341/year higher in Elk Grove. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Milwaukee is $172,000 compared to $603,400 in Elk Grove.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Milwaukee vs Elk Grove — common questions

Is Milwaukee or Elk Grove cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Milwaukee is cheaper to live in with an index of 67 compared to 168 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Milwaukee and Elk Grove?
Median rent in Milwaukee is $1,033/month and in Elk Grove it's $2,180/month — a difference of $1,147/month.
Which city has higher income, Milwaukee or Elk Grove?
Median household income is $51,888 in Milwaukee and $122,229 in Elk Grove. Median household income is $70,341/year higher in Elk Grove.
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 Elk Grove?
It depends on your priorities. Milwaukee has a cost index of 67 with median rent of $1,033/mo, while Elk Grove has a cost index of 168 with rent of $2,180/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Milwaukee details → View Elk Grove details →

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