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

Milwaukee

Wisconsin
67
VS

Modesto

California
120

Milwaukee is 44% cheaper than Modesto.

$1,033/mo ↓ 36%
Median Rent
$1,609/mo ↑ 56%
$51,888/yr ↓ 33%
Median Income
$77,899/yr ↑ 50%
$172,000 ↓ 59%
Home Value
$415,600 ↑ 142%
$1,082/mo ↓ 33%
Owner Costs
$1,613/mo ↑ 49%
569,756
Population
218,614

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
24.8%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Milwaukee, WI and Modesto, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 67 and 120 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $576/month cheaper in Milwaukee, saving renters about $6,912/year.

Median household income is $26,011/year higher in Modesto. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Milwaukee is $172,000 compared to $415,600 in Modesto.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Milwaukee vs Modesto — common questions

Is Milwaukee or Modesto cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Milwaukee is cheaper to live in with an index of 67 compared to 120 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Milwaukee and Modesto?
Median rent in Milwaukee is $1,033/month and in Modesto it's $1,609/month — a difference of $576/month.
Which city has higher income, Milwaukee or Modesto?
Median household income is $51,888 in Milwaukee and $77,899 in Modesto. Median household income is $26,011/year higher in Modesto.
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 Modesto?
It depends on your priorities. Milwaukee has a cost index of 67 with median rent of $1,033/mo, while Modesto has a cost index of 120 with rent of $1,609/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Milwaukee details → View Modesto details →

More Comparisons

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