Milwaukee, WI vs Santa Ana, CA: 67 vs 163

$1,033/mo ↓ 48%

Median Rent

$1,975/mo ↑ 91%

$51,888/yr ↓ 41%

Median Income

$88,354/yr ↑ 70%

$172,000 ↓ 74%

Home Value

$657,800 ↑ 282%

$1,082/mo ↓ 45%

Owner Costs

$1,965/mo ↑ 82%

569,756

Population

311,639

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Milwaukee, WI and Santa Ana, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 67 and 163 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $942/month cheaper in Milwaukee, saving renters about $11,304/year.

Median household income is $36,466/year higher in Santa Ana. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Milwaukee is $172,000 compared to $657,800 in Santa Ana.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Milwaukee vs Santa Ana — common questions

Is Milwaukee or Santa Ana cheaper to live in?

Based on our cost index, Milwaukee is cheaper to live in with an index of 67 compared to 163 (US average = 100).

What is the rent difference between Milwaukee and Santa Ana?

Median rent in Milwaukee is $1,033/month and in Santa Ana it's $1,975/month — a difference of $942/month.

Which city has higher income, Milwaukee or Santa Ana?

Median household income is $51,888 in Milwaukee and $88,354 in Santa Ana. Median household income is $36,466/year higher in Santa Ana.

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 Santa Ana?

It depends on your priorities. Milwaukee has a cost index of 67 with median rent of $1,033/mo, while Santa Ana has a cost index of 163 with rent of $1,975/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.

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

Milwaukee

Santa Ana

Tax Comparison

Affordability

Detailed Comparison

Frequently Asked Questions

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