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

Milwaukee

Wisconsin
67
VS

Thousand Oaks

California
226

Milwaukee is 70% cheaper than Thousand Oaks.

$1,033/mo ↓ 60%
Median Rent
$2,580/mo ↑ 150%
$51,888/yr ↓ 61%
Median Income
$134,367/yr ↑ 159%
$172,000 ↓ 82%
Home Value
$951,200 ↑ 453%
$1,082/mo ↓ 60%
Owner Costs
$2,726/mo ↑ 152%
569,756
Population
125,676

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
23.0%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Milwaukee, WI and Thousand Oaks, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 67 and 226 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $1,547/month cheaper in Milwaukee, saving renters about $18,564/year.

Median household income is $82,479/year higher in Thousand Oaks. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Milwaukee is $172,000 compared to $951,200 in Thousand Oaks.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Milwaukee vs Thousand Oaks — common questions

Is Milwaukee or Thousand Oaks cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Milwaukee is cheaper to live in with an index of 67 compared to 226 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Milwaukee and Thousand Oaks?
Median rent in Milwaukee is $1,033/month and in Thousand Oaks it's $2,580/month — a difference of $1,547/month.
Which city has higher income, Milwaukee or Thousand Oaks?
Median household income is $51,888 in Milwaukee and $134,367 in Thousand Oaks. Median household income is $82,479/year higher in Thousand Oaks.
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 Thousand Oaks?
It depends on your priorities. Milwaukee has a cost index of 67 with median rent of $1,033/mo, while Thousand Oaks has a cost index of 226 with rent of $2,580/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Milwaukee details → View Thousand Oaks details →

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