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

Milwaukee

Wisconsin
67
VS

Torrance

California
218

Milwaukee is 69% cheaper than Torrance.

$1,033/mo ↓ 53%
Median Rent
$2,214/mo ↑ 114%
$51,888/yr ↓ 54%
Median Income
$113,105/yr ↑ 118%
$172,000 ↓ 83%
Home Value
$1,036,600 ↑ 503%
$1,082/mo ↓ 53%
Owner Costs
$2,295/mo ↑ 112%
569,756
Population
143,499

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
23.5%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Milwaukee, WI and Torrance, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 67 and 218 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $1,181/month cheaper in Milwaukee, saving renters about $14,172/year.

Median household income is $61,217/year higher in Torrance. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Milwaukee is $172,000 compared to $1,036,600 in Torrance.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Milwaukee vs Torrance — common questions

Is Milwaukee or Torrance cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Milwaukee is cheaper to live in with an index of 67 compared to 218 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Milwaukee and Torrance?
Median rent in Milwaukee is $1,033/month and in Torrance it's $2,214/month — a difference of $1,181/month.
Which city has higher income, Milwaukee or Torrance?
Median household income is $51,888 in Milwaukee and $113,105 in Torrance. Median household income is $61,217/year higher in Torrance.
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 Torrance?
It depends on your priorities. Milwaukee has a cost index of 67 with median rent of $1,033/mo, while Torrance has a cost index of 218 with rent of $2,214/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Milwaukee details → View Torrance details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Milwaukee and Torrance

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