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

Milwaukee

Wisconsin
67
VS

Lancaster

California
124

Milwaukee is 46% cheaper than Lancaster.

$1,033/mo ↓ 39%
Median Rent
$1,696/mo ↑ 64%
$51,888/yr ↓ 32%
Median Income
$76,083/yr ↑ 47%
$172,000 ↓ 58%
Home Value
$409,100 ↑ 138%
$1,082/mo ↓ 38%
Owner Costs
$1,746/mo ↑ 61%
569,756
Population
170,013

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
26.7%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Milwaukee, WI and Lancaster, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 67 and 124 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $663/month cheaper in Milwaukee, saving renters about $7,956/year.

Median household income is $24,195/year higher in Lancaster. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Milwaukee is $172,000 compared to $409,100 in Lancaster.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Milwaukee vs Lancaster — common questions

Is Milwaukee or Lancaster cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Milwaukee is cheaper to live in with an index of 67 compared to 124 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Milwaukee and Lancaster?
Median rent in Milwaukee is $1,033/month and in Lancaster it's $1,696/month — a difference of $663/month.
Which city has higher income, Milwaukee or Lancaster?
Median household income is $51,888 in Milwaukee and $76,083 in Lancaster. Median household income is $24,195/year higher in Lancaster.
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 Lancaster?
It depends on your priorities. Milwaukee has a cost index of 67 with median rent of $1,033/mo, while Lancaster has a cost index of 124 with rent of $1,696/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Milwaukee details → View Lancaster details →

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