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

Milwaukee

Wisconsin
67
VS

Vallejo

California
155

Milwaukee is 57% cheaper than Vallejo.

$1,033/mo ↓ 49%
Median Rent
$2,013/mo ↑ 95%
$51,888/yr ↓ 42%
Median Income
$89,496/yr ↑ 72%
$172,000 ↓ 69%
Home Value
$557,500 ↑ 224%
$1,082/mo ↓ 47%
Owner Costs
$2,058/mo ↑ 90%
569,756
Population
124,637

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
27.0%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Milwaukee, WI and Vallejo, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 67 and 155 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $980/month cheaper in Milwaukee, saving renters about $11,760/year.

Median household income is $37,608/year higher in Vallejo. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Milwaukee is $172,000 compared to $557,500 in Vallejo.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Milwaukee vs Vallejo — common questions

Is Milwaukee or Vallejo cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Milwaukee is cheaper to live in with an index of 67 compared to 155 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Milwaukee and Vallejo?
Median rent in Milwaukee is $1,033/month and in Vallejo it's $2,013/month — a difference of $980/month.
Which city has higher income, Milwaukee or Vallejo?
Median household income is $51,888 in Milwaukee and $89,496 in Vallejo. Median household income is $37,608/year higher in Vallejo.
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 Vallejo?
It depends on your priorities. Milwaukee has a cost index of 67 with median rent of $1,033/mo, while Vallejo has a cost index of 155 with rent of $2,013/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Milwaukee details → View Vallejo details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Milwaukee and Vallejo

Milwaukee vs. Baltimore Milwaukee vs. Albuquerque Milwaukee vs. Louisville Milwaukee vs. Fresno Milwaukee vs. Memphis Milwaukee vs. Tucson Vallejo vs. Meridian Vallejo vs. Round Rock Vallejo vs. Palm Bay Vallejo vs. Concord Vallejo vs. Allentown Vallejo vs. Arvada