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

Milwaukee

Wisconsin
67
VS

Orange

California
206

Milwaukee is 67% cheaper than Orange.

$1,033/mo ↓ 54%
Median Rent
$2,252/mo ↑ 118%
$51,888/yr ↓ 56%
Median Income
$116,945/yr ↑ 125%
$172,000 ↓ 81%
Home Value
$900,700 ↑ 424%
$1,082/mo ↓ 55%
Owner Costs
$2,394/mo ↑ 121%
569,756
Population
138,723

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
23.1%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Milwaukee, WI and Orange, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 67 and 206 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $1,219/month cheaper in Milwaukee, saving renters about $14,628/year.

Median household income is $65,057/year higher in Orange. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Milwaukee is $172,000 compared to $900,700 in Orange.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Milwaukee vs Orange — common questions

Is Milwaukee or Orange cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Milwaukee is cheaper to live in with an index of 67 compared to 206 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Milwaukee and Orange?
Median rent in Milwaukee is $1,033/month and in Orange it's $2,252/month — a difference of $1,219/month.
Which city has higher income, Milwaukee or Orange?
Median household income is $51,888 in Milwaukee and $116,945 in Orange. Median household income is $65,057/year higher in Orange.
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 Orange?
It depends on your priorities. Milwaukee has a cost index of 67 with median rent of $1,033/mo, while Orange has a cost index of 206 with rent of $2,252/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Milwaukee details → View Orange details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Milwaukee and Orange

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