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

Milwaukee

Wisconsin
67
VS

Huntington Beach

California
227

Milwaukee is 70% cheaper than Huntington Beach.

$1,033/mo ↓ 57%
Median Rent
$2,424/mo ↑ 135%
$51,888/yr ↓ 57%
Median Income
$119,885/yr ↑ 131%
$172,000 ↓ 84%
Home Value
$1,047,300 ↑ 509%
$1,082/mo ↓ 56%
Owner Costs
$2,436/mo ↑ 125%
569,756
Population
196,010

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
24.3%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Milwaukee, WI and Huntington Beach, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 67 and 227 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $1,391/month cheaper in Milwaukee, saving renters about $16,692/year.

Median household income is $67,997/year higher in Huntington Beach. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Milwaukee is $172,000 compared to $1,047,300 in Huntington Beach.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Milwaukee vs Huntington Beach — common questions

Is Milwaukee or Huntington Beach cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Milwaukee is cheaper to live in with an index of 67 compared to 227 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Milwaukee and Huntington Beach?
Median rent in Milwaukee is $1,033/month and in Huntington Beach it's $2,424/month — a difference of $1,391/month.
Which city has higher income, Milwaukee or Huntington Beach?
Median household income is $51,888 in Milwaukee and $119,885 in Huntington Beach. Median household income is $67,997/year higher in Huntington Beach.
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 Huntington Beach?
It depends on your priorities. Milwaukee has a cost index of 67 with median rent of $1,033/mo, while Huntington Beach has a cost index of 227 with rent of $2,424/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Milwaukee details → View Huntington Beach details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Milwaukee and Huntington Beach

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