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

Milwaukee

Wisconsin
67
VS

Pasadena

California
220

Milwaukee is 70% cheaper than Pasadena.

$1,033/mo ↓ 53%
Median Rent
$2,218/mo ↑ 115%
$51,888/yr ↓ 50%
Median Income
$103,778/yr ↑ 100%
$172,000 ↓ 84%
Home Value
$1,045,000 ↑ 508%
$1,082/mo ↓ 54%
Owner Costs
$2,340/mo ↑ 116%
569,756
Population
136,462

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
25.6%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Milwaukee, WI and Pasadena, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 67 and 220 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $1,185/month cheaper in Milwaukee, saving renters about $14,220/year.

Median household income is $51,890/year higher in Pasadena. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Milwaukee is $172,000 compared to $1,045,000 in Pasadena.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Milwaukee vs Pasadena — common questions

Is Milwaukee or Pasadena cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Milwaukee is cheaper to live in with an index of 67 compared to 220 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Milwaukee and Pasadena?
Median rent in Milwaukee is $1,033/month and in Pasadena it's $2,218/month — a difference of $1,185/month.
Which city has higher income, Milwaukee or Pasadena?
Median household income is $51,888 in Milwaukee and $103,778 in Pasadena. Median household income is $51,890/year higher in Pasadena.
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 Pasadena?
It depends on your priorities. Milwaukee has a cost index of 67 with median rent of $1,033/mo, while Pasadena has a cost index of 220 with rent of $2,218/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Milwaukee details → View Pasadena details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Milwaukee and Pasadena

Milwaukee vs. Baltimore Milwaukee vs. Albuquerque Milwaukee vs. Louisville Milwaukee vs. Fresno Milwaukee vs. Memphis Milwaukee vs. Tucson Pasadena vs. Dayton Pasadena vs. Miramar Pasadena vs. Cedar Rapids Pasadena vs. Victorville Pasadena vs. Hampton Pasadena vs. Elizabeth