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

Milwaukee

Wisconsin
67
VS

Sacramento

California
132

Milwaukee is 65% cheaper than Sacramento.

$1,033/mo ↓ 39%
Median Rent
$1,694/mo ↑ 64%
$51,888/yr ↓ 38%
Median Income
$83,753/yr ↑ 61%
$172,000 ↓ 65%
Home Value
$484,600 ↑ 182%
$1,082/mo ↓ 38%
Owner Costs
$1,752/mo ↑ 62%
569,756
Population
524,802

Tax Comparison

7.65%
Income Tax
13.3%
5.0%
Sales Tax
7.25%
1.61%
Property Tax
0.71%

Affordability

23.9%
rent-to-income
Affordability
24.3%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Milwaukee, WI and Sacramento, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 67 and 132 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $661/month cheaper in Milwaukee, saving renters about $7,932/year.

Median household income is $31,865/year higher in Sacramento. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Milwaukee is $172,000 compared to $484,600 in Sacramento.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Milwaukee vs Sacramento — common questions

Is Milwaukee or Sacramento cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Milwaukee is cheaper to live in with an index of 67 compared to 132 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Milwaukee and Sacramento?
Median rent in Milwaukee is $1,033/month and in Sacramento it's $1,694/month — a difference of $661/month.
Which city has higher income, Milwaukee or Sacramento?
Median household income is $51,888 in Milwaukee and $83,753 in Sacramento. Median household income is $31,865/year higher in Sacramento.
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 Sacramento?
It depends on your priorities. Milwaukee has a cost index of 67 with median rent of $1,033/mo, while Sacramento has a cost index of 132 with rent of $1,694/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
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