Milwaukee, WI vs Santa Rosa, CA: 67 vs 172

$1,033/mo ↓ 50%

Median Rent

$2,084/mo ↑ 102%

$51,888/yr ↓ 47%

Median Income

$97,410/yr ↑ 88%

$172,000 ↓ 75%

Home Value

$685,000 ↑ 298%

$1,082/mo ↓ 49%

Owner Costs

$2,130/mo ↑ 97%

569,756

Population

177,216

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Milwaukee, WI and Santa Rosa, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 67 and 172 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $1,051/month cheaper in Milwaukee, saving renters about $12,612/year.

Median household income is $45,522/year higher in Santa Rosa. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Milwaukee is $172,000 compared to $685,000 in Santa Rosa.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Milwaukee vs Santa Rosa — common questions

Is Milwaukee or Santa Rosa cheaper to live in?

Based on our cost index, Milwaukee is cheaper to live in with an index of 67 compared to 172 (US average = 100).

What is the rent difference between Milwaukee and Santa Rosa?

Median rent in Milwaukee is $1,033/month and in Santa Rosa it's $2,084/month — a difference of $1,051/month.

Which city has higher income, Milwaukee or Santa Rosa?

Median household income is $51,888 in Milwaukee and $97,410 in Santa Rosa. Median household income is $45,522/year higher in Santa Rosa.

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 Rosa?

It depends on your priorities. Milwaukee has a cost index of 67 with median rent of $1,033/mo, while Santa Rosa has a cost index of 172 with rent of $2,084/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.

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

Milwaukee

Santa Rosa

Tax Comparison

Affordability

Detailed Comparison

Frequently Asked Questions

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