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

Milwaukee

Wisconsin
67
VS

San Bernardino

California
109

Milwaukee is 39% cheaper than San Bernardino.

$1,033/mo ↓ 28%
Median Rent
$1,433/mo ↑ 39%
$51,888/yr ↓ 19%
Median Income
$63,988/yr ↑ 23%
$172,000 ↓ 55%
Home Value
$384,900 ↑ 124%
$1,082/mo ↓ 27%
Owner Costs
$1,478/mo ↑ 37%
569,756
Population
221,774

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
26.9%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Milwaukee, WI and San Bernardino, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 67 and 109 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $400/month cheaper in Milwaukee, saving renters about $4,800/year.

Median household income is $12,100/year higher in San Bernardino. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Milwaukee is $172,000 compared to $384,900 in San Bernardino.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Milwaukee vs San Bernardino — common questions

Is Milwaukee or San Bernardino cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Milwaukee is cheaper to live in with an index of 67 compared to 109 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Milwaukee and San Bernardino?
Median rent in Milwaukee is $1,033/month and in San Bernardino it's $1,433/month — a difference of $400/month.
Which city has higher income, Milwaukee or San Bernardino?
Median household income is $51,888 in Milwaukee and $63,988 in San Bernardino. Median household income is $12,100/year higher in San Bernardino.
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 San Bernardino?
It depends on your priorities. Milwaukee has a cost index of 67 with median rent of $1,033/mo, while San Bernardino has a cost index of 109 with rent of $1,433/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Milwaukee details → View San Bernardino details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Milwaukee and San Bernardino

Milwaukee vs. Baltimore Milwaukee vs. Albuquerque Milwaukee vs. Louisville Milwaukee vs. Fresno Milwaukee vs. Memphis Milwaukee vs. Tucson San Bernardino vs. Hialeah San Bernardino vs. Tacoma San Bernardino vs. Baton Rouge San Bernardino vs. Port St. Lucie San Bernardino vs. Richmond San Bernardino vs. Spring Valley