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

Milwaukee

Wisconsin
67
VS

Sunnyvale

California
341

Milwaukee is 80% cheaper than Sunnyvale.

$1,033/mo ↓ 66%
Median Rent
$3,065/mo ↑ 197%
$51,888/yr ↓ 71%
Median Income
$181,862/yr ↑ 250%
$172,000 ↓ 91%
Home Value
$1,816,600 ↑ 956%
$1,082/mo ↓ 64%
Owner Costs
$3,016/mo ↑ 179%
569,756
Population
153,455

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
20.2%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Milwaukee, WI and Sunnyvale, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 67 and 341 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $2,032/month cheaper in Milwaukee, saving renters about $24,384/year.

Median household income is $129,974/year higher in Sunnyvale. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Milwaukee is $172,000 compared to $1,816,600 in Sunnyvale.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Milwaukee vs Sunnyvale — common questions

Is Milwaukee or Sunnyvale cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Milwaukee is cheaper to live in with an index of 67 compared to 341 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Milwaukee and Sunnyvale?
Median rent in Milwaukee is $1,033/month and in Sunnyvale it's $3,065/month — a difference of $2,032/month.
Which city has higher income, Milwaukee or Sunnyvale?
Median household income is $51,888 in Milwaukee and $181,862 in Sunnyvale. Median household income is $129,974/year higher in Sunnyvale.
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 Sunnyvale?
It depends on your priorities. Milwaukee has a cost index of 67 with median rent of $1,033/mo, while Sunnyvale has a cost index of 341 with rent of $3,065/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Milwaukee details → View Sunnyvale details →

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