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

Milwaukee

Wisconsin
67
VS

Fullerton

California
195

Milwaukee is 66% cheaper than Fullerton.

$1,033/mo ↓ 51%
Median Rent
$2,124/mo ↑ 106%
$51,888/yr ↓ 50%
Median Income
$104,219/yr ↑ 101%
$172,000 ↓ 80%
Home Value
$859,600 ↑ 400%
$1,082/mo ↓ 52%
Owner Costs
$2,251/mo ↑ 108%
569,756
Population
141,278

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
24.5%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Milwaukee, WI and Fullerton, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 67 and 195 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $1,091/month cheaper in Milwaukee, saving renters about $13,092/year.

Median household income is $52,331/year higher in Fullerton. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Milwaukee is $172,000 compared to $859,600 in Fullerton.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Milwaukee vs Fullerton — common questions

Is Milwaukee or Fullerton cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Milwaukee is cheaper to live in with an index of 67 compared to 195 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Milwaukee and Fullerton?
Median rent in Milwaukee is $1,033/month and in Fullerton it's $2,124/month — a difference of $1,091/month.
Which city has higher income, Milwaukee or Fullerton?
Median household income is $51,888 in Milwaukee and $104,219 in Fullerton. Median household income is $52,331/year higher in Fullerton.
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 Fullerton?
It depends on your priorities. Milwaukee has a cost index of 67 with median rent of $1,033/mo, while Fullerton has a cost index of 195 with rent of $2,124/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Milwaukee details → View Fullerton details →

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