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

Milwaukee

Wisconsin
67
VS

Glendale

California
214

Milwaukee is 69% cheaper than Glendale.

$1,033/mo ↓ 51%
Median Rent
$2,095/mo ↑ 103%
$51,888/yr ↓ 38%
Median Income
$84,262/yr ↑ 62%
$172,000 ↓ 84%
Home Value
$1,043,900 ↑ 507%
$1,082/mo ↓ 51%
Owner Costs
$2,212/mo ↑ 104%
569,756
Population
192,270

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
29.8%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Milwaukee, WI and Glendale, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 67 and 214 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $1,062/month cheaper in Milwaukee, saving renters about $12,744/year.

Median household income is $32,374/year higher in Glendale. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Milwaukee is $172,000 compared to $1,043,900 in Glendale.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Milwaukee vs Glendale — common questions

Is Milwaukee or Glendale cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Milwaukee is cheaper to live in with an index of 67 compared to 214 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Milwaukee and Glendale?
Median rent in Milwaukee is $1,033/month and in Glendale it's $2,095/month — a difference of $1,062/month.
Which city has higher income, Milwaukee or Glendale?
Median household income is $51,888 in Milwaukee and $84,262 in Glendale. Median household income is $32,374/year higher in Glendale.
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 Glendale?
It depends on your priorities. Milwaukee has a cost index of 67 with median rent of $1,033/mo, while Glendale has a cost index of 214 with rent of $2,095/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Milwaukee details → View Glendale details →

More Comparisons

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