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

Milwaukee

Wisconsin
67
VS

Hayward

California
200

Milwaukee is 66% cheaper than Hayward.

$1,033/mo ↓ 56%
Median Rent
$2,360/mo ↑ 128%
$51,888/yr ↓ 54%
Median Income
$113,775/yr ↑ 119%
$172,000 ↓ 79%
Home Value
$820,700 ↑ 377%
$1,082/mo ↓ 55%
Owner Costs
$2,420/mo ↑ 124%
569,756
Population
159,201

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
24.9%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Milwaukee, WI and Hayward, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 67 and 200 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $1,327/month cheaper in Milwaukee, saving renters about $15,924/year.

Median household income is $61,887/year higher in Hayward. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Milwaukee is $172,000 compared to $820,700 in Hayward.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Milwaukee vs Hayward — common questions

Is Milwaukee or Hayward cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Milwaukee is cheaper to live in with an index of 67 compared to 200 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Milwaukee and Hayward?
Median rent in Milwaukee is $1,033/month and in Hayward it's $2,360/month — a difference of $1,327/month.
Which city has higher income, Milwaukee or Hayward?
Median household income is $51,888 in Milwaukee and $113,775 in Hayward. Median household income is $61,887/year higher in Hayward.
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 Hayward?
It depends on your priorities. Milwaukee has a cost index of 67 with median rent of $1,033/mo, while Hayward has a cost index of 200 with rent of $2,360/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Milwaukee details → View Hayward details →

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