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

Milwaukee

Wisconsin
67
VS

Ontario

California
152

Milwaukee is 56% cheaper than Ontario.

$1,033/mo ↓ 46%
Median Rent
$1,916/mo ↑ 85%
$51,888/yr ↓ 37%
Median Income
$82,806/yr ↑ 60%
$172,000 ↓ 70%
Home Value
$568,000 ↑ 230%
$1,082/mo ↓ 45%
Owner Costs
$1,967/mo ↑ 82%
569,756
Population
178,347

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
27.8%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Milwaukee, WI and Ontario, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 67 and 152 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $883/month cheaper in Milwaukee, saving renters about $10,596/year.

Median household income is $30,918/year higher in Ontario. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Milwaukee is $172,000 compared to $568,000 in Ontario.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Milwaukee vs Ontario — common questions

Is Milwaukee or Ontario cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Milwaukee is cheaper to live in with an index of 67 compared to 152 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Milwaukee and Ontario?
Median rent in Milwaukee is $1,033/month and in Ontario it's $1,916/month — a difference of $883/month.
Which city has higher income, Milwaukee or Ontario?
Median household income is $51,888 in Milwaukee and $82,806 in Ontario. Median household income is $30,918/year higher in Ontario.
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 Ontario?
It depends on your priorities. Milwaukee has a cost index of 67 with median rent of $1,033/mo, while Ontario has a cost index of 152 with rent of $1,916/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Milwaukee details → View Ontario details →

More Comparisons

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