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

Milwaukee

Wisconsin
67
VS

Richmond

California
161

Milwaukee is 58% cheaper than Richmond.

$1,033/mo ↓ 45%
Median Rent
$1,895/mo ↑ 83%
$51,888/yr ↓ 42%
Median Income
$90,038/yr ↑ 74%
$172,000 ↓ 74%
Home Value
$650,100 ↑ 278%
$1,082/mo ↓ 46%
Owner Costs
$2,015/mo ↑ 86%
569,756
Population
115,396

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
25.3%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Milwaukee, WI and Richmond, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 67 and 161 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $862/month cheaper in Milwaukee, saving renters about $10,344/year.

Median household income is $38,150/year higher in Richmond. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Milwaukee is $172,000 compared to $650,100 in Richmond.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Milwaukee vs Richmond — common questions

Is Milwaukee or Richmond cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Milwaukee is cheaper to live in with an index of 67 compared to 161 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Milwaukee and Richmond?
Median rent in Milwaukee is $1,033/month and in Richmond it's $1,895/month — a difference of $862/month.
Which city has higher income, Milwaukee or Richmond?
Median household income is $51,888 in Milwaukee and $90,038 in Richmond. Median household income is $38,150/year higher in Richmond.
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 Richmond?
It depends on your priorities. Milwaukee has a cost index of 67 with median rent of $1,033/mo, while Richmond has a cost index of 161 with rent of $1,895/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Milwaukee details → View Richmond details →

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