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

Milwaukee

Wisconsin
67
VS

Fremont

California
278

Milwaukee is 76% cheaper than Fremont.

$1,033/mo ↓ 64%
Median Rent
$2,905/mo ↑ 181%
$51,888/yr ↓ 71%
Median Income
$176,350/yr ↑ 240%
$172,000 ↓ 87%
Home Value
$1,289,400 ↑ 650%
$1,082/mo ↓ 64%
Owner Costs
$3,000/mo ↑ 177%
569,756
Population
228,518

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
19.8%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Milwaukee, WI and Fremont, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 67 and 278 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $1,872/month cheaper in Milwaukee, saving renters about $22,464/year.

Median household income is $124,462/year higher in Fremont. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Milwaukee is $172,000 compared to $1,289,400 in Fremont.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Milwaukee vs Fremont — common questions

Is Milwaukee or Fremont cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Milwaukee is cheaper to live in with an index of 67 compared to 278 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Milwaukee and Fremont?
Median rent in Milwaukee is $1,033/month and in Fremont it's $2,905/month — a difference of $1,872/month.
Which city has higher income, Milwaukee or Fremont?
Median household income is $51,888 in Milwaukee and $176,350 in Fremont. Median household income is $124,462/year higher in Fremont.
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 Fremont?
It depends on your priorities. Milwaukee has a cost index of 67 with median rent of $1,033/mo, while Fremont has a cost index of 278 with rent of $2,905/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Milwaukee details → View Fremont details →

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