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

Milwaukee

Wisconsin
67
VS

Simi Valley

California
200

Milwaukee is 66% cheaper than Simi Valley.

$1,033/mo ↓ 59%
Median Rent
$2,513/mo ↑ 143%
$51,888/yr ↓ 56%
Median Income
$117,703/yr ↑ 127%
$172,000 ↓ 77%
Home Value
$753,500 ↑ 338%
$1,082/mo ↓ 58%
Owner Costs
$2,576/mo ↑ 138%
569,756
Population
125,769

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
25.6%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Milwaukee, WI and Simi Valley, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 67 and 200 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $1,480/month cheaper in Milwaukee, saving renters about $17,760/year.

Median household income is $65,815/year higher in Simi Valley. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Milwaukee is $172,000 compared to $753,500 in Simi Valley.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Milwaukee vs Simi Valley — common questions

Is Milwaukee or Simi Valley cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Milwaukee is cheaper to live in with an index of 67 compared to 200 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Milwaukee and Simi Valley?
Median rent in Milwaukee is $1,033/month and in Simi Valley it's $2,513/month — a difference of $1,480/month.
Which city has higher income, Milwaukee or Simi Valley?
Median household income is $51,888 in Milwaukee and $117,703 in Simi Valley. Median household income is $65,815/year higher in Simi Valley.
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 Simi Valley?
It depends on your priorities. Milwaukee has a cost index of 67 with median rent of $1,033/mo, while Simi Valley has a cost index of 200 with rent of $2,513/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Milwaukee details → View Simi Valley details →

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