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

Milwaukee

Wisconsin
67
VS

Oxnard

California
159

Milwaukee is 58% cheaper than Oxnard.

$1,033/mo ↓ 47%
Median Rent
$1,962/mo ↑ 90%
$51,888/yr ↓ 44%
Median Income
$93,372/yr ↑ 80%
$172,000 ↓ 72%
Home Value
$617,800 ↑ 259%
$1,082/mo ↓ 45%
Owner Costs
$1,976/mo ↑ 83%
569,756
Population
201,014

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
25.2%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Milwaukee, WI and Oxnard, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 67 and 159 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $929/month cheaper in Milwaukee, saving renters about $11,148/year.

Median household income is $41,484/year higher in Oxnard. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Milwaukee is $172,000 compared to $617,800 in Oxnard.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Milwaukee vs Oxnard — common questions

Is Milwaukee or Oxnard cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Milwaukee is cheaper to live in with an index of 67 compared to 159 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Milwaukee and Oxnard?
Median rent in Milwaukee is $1,033/month and in Oxnard it's $1,962/month — a difference of $929/month.
Which city has higher income, Milwaukee or Oxnard?
Median household income is $51,888 in Milwaukee and $93,372 in Oxnard. Median household income is $41,484/year higher in Oxnard.
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 Oxnard?
It depends on your priorities. Milwaukee has a cost index of 67 with median rent of $1,033/mo, while Oxnard has a cost index of 159 with rent of $1,962/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Milwaukee details → View Oxnard details →

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