Milwaukee, WI vs Long Beach, CA: 67 vs 169

$1,033/mo ↓ 43%

Median Rent

$1,803/mo ↑ 75%

$51,888/yr ↓ 38%

Median Income

$83,969/yr ↑ 62%

$172,000 ↓ 77%

Home Value

$762,200 ↑ 343%

$1,082/mo ↓ 43%

Owner Costs

$1,890/mo ↑ 75%

569,756

Population

458,491

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Milwaukee, WI and Long Beach, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 67 and 169 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $770/month cheaper in Milwaukee, saving renters about $9,240/year.

Median household income is $32,081/year higher in Long Beach. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Milwaukee is $172,000 compared to $762,200 in Long Beach.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Milwaukee vs Long Beach — common questions

Is Milwaukee or Long Beach cheaper to live in?

Based on our cost index, Milwaukee is cheaper to live in with an index of 67 compared to 169 (US average = 100).

What is the rent difference between Milwaukee and Long Beach?

Median rent in Milwaukee is $1,033/month and in Long Beach it's $1,803/month — a difference of $770/month.

Which city has higher income, Milwaukee or Long Beach?

Median household income is $51,888 in Milwaukee and $83,969 in Long Beach. Median household income is $32,081/year higher in Long 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 Long Beach?

It depends on your priorities. Milwaukee has a cost index of 67 with median rent of $1,033/mo, while Long Beach has a cost index of 169 with rent of $1,803/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.

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

Milwaukee

Long Beach

Tax Comparison

Affordability

Detailed Comparison

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