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

Milwaukee

Wisconsin
67
VS

Santa Clarita

California
197

Milwaukee is 66% cheaper than Santa Clarita.

$1,033/mo ↓ 58%
Median Rent
$2,486/mo ↑ 141%
$51,888/yr ↓ 57%
Median Income
$119,926/yr ↑ 131%
$172,000 ↓ 76%
Home Value
$721,000 ↑ 319%
$1,082/mo ↓ 59%
Owner Costs
$2,649/mo ↑ 145%
569,756
Population
229,021

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
24.9%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Milwaukee, WI and Santa Clarita, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 67 and 197 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $1,453/month cheaper in Milwaukee, saving renters about $17,436/year.

Median household income is $68,038/year higher in Santa Clarita. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Milwaukee is $172,000 compared to $721,000 in Santa Clarita.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Milwaukee vs Santa Clarita — common questions

Is Milwaukee or Santa Clarita cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Milwaukee is cheaper to live in with an index of 67 compared to 197 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Milwaukee and Santa Clarita?
Median rent in Milwaukee is $1,033/month and in Santa Clarita it's $2,486/month — a difference of $1,453/month.
Which city has higher income, Milwaukee or Santa Clarita?
Median household income is $51,888 in Milwaukee and $119,926 in Santa Clarita. Median household income is $68,038/year higher in Santa Clarita.
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 Clarita?
It depends on your priorities. Milwaukee has a cost index of 67 with median rent of $1,033/mo, while Santa Clarita has a cost index of 197 with rent of $2,486/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Milwaukee details → View Santa Clarita details →

More Comparisons

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