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

Milwaukee

Wisconsin
67
VS

Oakland

California
195

Milwaukee is 66% cheaper than Oakland.

$1,033/mo ↓ 46%
Median Rent
$1,917/mo ↑ 86%
$51,888/yr ↓ 47%
Median Income
$97,369/yr ↑ 88%
$172,000 ↓ 81%
Home Value
$924,700 ↑ 438%
$1,082/mo ↓ 50%
Owner Costs
$2,164/mo ↑ 100%
569,756
Population
438,072

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
23.6%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Milwaukee, WI and Oakland, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 67 and 195 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $884/month cheaper in Milwaukee, saving renters about $10,608/year.

Median household income is $45,481/year higher in Oakland. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Milwaukee is $172,000 compared to $924,700 in Oakland.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Milwaukee vs Oakland — common questions

Is Milwaukee or Oakland cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Milwaukee is cheaper to live in with an index of 67 compared to 195 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Milwaukee and Oakland?
Median rent in Milwaukee is $1,033/month and in Oakland it's $1,917/month — a difference of $884/month.
Which city has higher income, Milwaukee or Oakland?
Median household income is $51,888 in Milwaukee and $97,369 in Oakland. Median household income is $45,481/year higher in Oakland.
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 Oakland?
It depends on your priorities. Milwaukee has a cost index of 67 with median rent of $1,033/mo, while Oakland has a cost index of 195 with rent of $1,917/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
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