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

Milwaukee

Wisconsin
67
VS

Garden Grove

California
176

Milwaukee is 62% cheaper than Garden Grove.

$1,033/mo ↓ 48%
Median Rent
$1,971/mo ↑ 91%
$51,888/yr ↓ 42%
Median Income
$90,166/yr ↑ 74%
$172,000 ↓ 78%
Home Value
$765,500 ↑ 345%
$1,082/mo ↓ 46%
Owner Costs
$2,016/mo ↑ 86%
569,756
Population
170,603

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
26.2%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Milwaukee, WI and Garden Grove, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 67 and 176 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $938/month cheaper in Milwaukee, saving renters about $11,256/year.

Median household income is $38,278/year higher in Garden Grove. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Milwaukee is $172,000 compared to $765,500 in Garden Grove.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Milwaukee vs Garden Grove — common questions

Is Milwaukee or Garden Grove cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Milwaukee is cheaper to live in with an index of 67 compared to 176 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Milwaukee and Garden Grove?
Median rent in Milwaukee is $1,033/month and in Garden Grove it's $1,971/month — a difference of $938/month.
Which city has higher income, Milwaukee or Garden Grove?
Median household income is $51,888 in Milwaukee and $90,166 in Garden Grove. Median household income is $38,278/year higher in Garden 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 Garden Grove?
It depends on your priorities. Milwaukee has a cost index of 67 with median rent of $1,033/mo, while Garden Grove has a cost index of 176 with rent of $1,971/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Milwaukee details → View Garden Grove details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Milwaukee and Garden Grove

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