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

Milwaukee

Wisconsin
67
VS

Stockton

California
115

Milwaukee is 42% cheaper than Stockton.

$1,033/mo ↓ 31%
Median Rent
$1,495/mo ↑ 45%
$51,888/yr ↓ 32%
Median Income
$76,851/yr ↑ 48%
$172,000 ↓ 58%
Home Value
$412,900 ↑ 140%
$1,082/mo ↓ 30%
Owner Costs
$1,555/mo ↑ 44%
569,756
Population
320,470

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
23.3%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Milwaukee, WI and Stockton, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 67 and 115 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $462/month cheaper in Milwaukee, saving renters about $5,544/year.

Median household income is $24,963/year higher in Stockton. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Milwaukee is $172,000 compared to $412,900 in Stockton.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Milwaukee vs Stockton — common questions

Is Milwaukee or Stockton cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Milwaukee is cheaper to live in with an index of 67 compared to 115 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Milwaukee and Stockton?
Median rent in Milwaukee is $1,033/month and in Stockton it's $1,495/month — a difference of $462/month.
Which city has higher income, Milwaukee or Stockton?
Median household income is $51,888 in Milwaukee and $76,851 in Stockton. Median household income is $24,963/year higher in Stockton.
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 Stockton?
It depends on your priorities. Milwaukee has a cost index of 67 with median rent of $1,033/mo, while Stockton has a cost index of 115 with rent of $1,495/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Milwaukee details → View Stockton details →

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