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

Milwaukee

Wisconsin
67
VS

Fontana

California
146

Milwaukee is 54% cheaper than Fontana.

$1,033/mo ↓ 40%
Median Rent
$1,733/mo ↑ 68%
$51,888/yr ↓ 47%
Median Income
$98,187/yr ↑ 89%
$172,000 ↓ 69%
Home Value
$558,500 ↑ 225%
$1,082/mo ↓ 46%
Owner Costs
$1,990/mo ↑ 84%
569,756
Population
211,921

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
21.2%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Milwaukee, WI and Fontana, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 67 and 146 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $700/month cheaper in Milwaukee, saving renters about $8,400/year.

Median household income is $46,299/year higher in Fontana. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Milwaukee is $172,000 compared to $558,500 in Fontana.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Milwaukee vs Fontana — common questions

Is Milwaukee or Fontana cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Milwaukee is cheaper to live in with an index of 67 compared to 146 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Milwaukee and Fontana?
Median rent in Milwaukee is $1,033/month and in Fontana it's $1,733/month — a difference of $700/month.
Which city has higher income, Milwaukee or Fontana?
Median household income is $51,888 in Milwaukee and $98,187 in Fontana. Median household income is $46,299/year higher in Fontana.
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 Fontana?
It depends on your priorities. Milwaukee has a cost index of 67 with median rent of $1,033/mo, while Fontana has a cost index of 146 with rent of $1,733/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
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