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

Milwaukee

Wisconsin
67
VS

Ventura

California
183

Milwaukee is 63% cheaper than Ventura.

$1,033/mo ↓ 51%
Median Rent
$2,101/mo ↑ 103%
$51,888/yr ↓ 48%
Median Income
$100,407/yr ↑ 94%
$172,000 ↓ 78%
Home Value
$778,700 ↑ 353%
$1,082/mo ↓ 49%
Owner Costs
$2,118/mo ↑ 96%
569,756
Population
109,900

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
25.1%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Milwaukee, WI and Ventura, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 67 and 183 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $1,068/month cheaper in Milwaukee, saving renters about $12,816/year.

Median household income is $48,519/year higher in Ventura. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Milwaukee is $172,000 compared to $778,700 in Ventura.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Milwaukee vs Ventura — common questions

Is Milwaukee or Ventura cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Milwaukee is cheaper to live in with an index of 67 compared to 183 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Milwaukee and Ventura?
Median rent in Milwaukee is $1,033/month and in Ventura it's $2,101/month — a difference of $1,068/month.
Which city has higher income, Milwaukee or Ventura?
Median household income is $51,888 in Milwaukee and $100,407 in Ventura. Median household income is $48,519/year higher in Ventura.
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 Ventura?
It depends on your priorities. Milwaukee has a cost index of 67 with median rent of $1,033/mo, while Ventura has a cost index of 183 with rent of $2,101/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Milwaukee details → View Ventura details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Milwaukee and Ventura

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