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

Milwaukee

Wisconsin
67
VS

Fresno

California
101

Milwaukee is 34% cheaper than Fresno.

$1,033/mo ↓ 22%
Median Rent
$1,324/mo ↑ 28%
$51,888/yr ↓ 22%
Median Income
$66,804/yr ↑ 29%
$172,000 ↓ 51%
Home Value
$348,500 ↑ 103%
$1,082/mo ↓ 22%
Owner Costs
$1,391/mo ↑ 29%
569,756
Population
543,615

Tax Comparison

7.65%
Income Tax
13.3%
5.0%
Sales Tax
7.25%
1.61%
Property Tax
0.71%

Affordability

23.9%
rent-to-income
Affordability
23.8%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Milwaukee, WI and Fresno, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 67 and 101 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $291/month cheaper in Milwaukee, saving renters about $3,492/year.

Median household income is $14,916/year higher in Fresno. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Milwaukee is $172,000 compared to $348,500 in Fresno.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Milwaukee vs Fresno — common questions

Is Milwaukee or Fresno cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Milwaukee is cheaper to live in with an index of 67 compared to 101 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Milwaukee and Fresno?
Median rent in Milwaukee is $1,033/month and in Fresno it's $1,324/month — a difference of $291/month.
Which city has higher income, Milwaukee or Fresno?
Median household income is $51,888 in Milwaukee and $66,804 in Fresno. Median household income is $14,916/year higher in Fresno.
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 Fresno?
It depends on your priorities. Milwaukee has a cost index of 67 with median rent of $1,033/mo, while Fresno has a cost index of 101 with rent of $1,324/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
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