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

Milwaukee

Wisconsin
67
VS

Riverside

California
144

Milwaukee is 53% cheaper than Riverside.

$1,033/mo ↓ 43%
Median Rent
$1,812/mo ↑ 75%
$51,888/yr ↓ 41%
Median Income
$88,575/yr ↑ 71%
$172,000 ↓ 68%
Home Value
$542,100 ↑ 215%
$1,082/mo ↓ 42%
Owner Costs
$1,880/mo ↑ 74%
569,756
Population
316,241

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
24.5%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Milwaukee, WI and Riverside, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 67 and 144 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $779/month cheaper in Milwaukee, saving renters about $9,348/year.

Median household income is $36,687/year higher in Riverside. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Milwaukee is $172,000 compared to $542,100 in Riverside.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Milwaukee vs Riverside — common questions

Is Milwaukee or Riverside cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Milwaukee is cheaper to live in with an index of 67 compared to 144 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Milwaukee and Riverside?
Median rent in Milwaukee is $1,033/month and in Riverside it's $1,812/month — a difference of $779/month.
Which city has higher income, Milwaukee or Riverside?
Median household income is $51,888 in Milwaukee and $88,575 in Riverside. Median household income is $36,687/year higher in Riverside.
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 Riverside?
It depends on your priorities. Milwaukee has a cost index of 67 with median rent of $1,033/mo, while Riverside has a cost index of 144 with rent of $1,812/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Milwaukee details → View Riverside details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Milwaukee and Riverside

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