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Cost of Living: Los Angeles, CA vs Milwaukee, WI

A data-driven comparison of housing, groceries, transportation, taxes, job market and more. See which city gives you more for your money.

31.6% Milwaukee, WI is cheaper overall
53.9% 53.9% cheaper housing
10.9% 10.9% cheaper groceries
Updated April 2026 · Data: Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Census Bureau National average = 100

At a Glance

🏠 Housing 53.9% cheaper
Los Angeles
178
Milwaukee
82
🛒 Groceries 10.9% cheaper
Los Angeles
110
Milwaukee
98
🚗 Transportation 20.0% cheaper
Los Angeles
125
Milwaukee
100
🏥 Healthcare 12.5% cheaper
Los Angeles
112
Milwaukee
98
⚡ Utilities 4.8% cheaper
Los Angeles
105
Milwaukee
100

Detailed Breakdown

Category Los Angeles, CA Milwaukee, WI Difference
Overall Cost Index1369331.6% less
Housing1788253.9% less
Median 1BR Rent$2,500$1,05058.0% less
Median Home Price$880,000$175,00080.1% less
Groceries1109810.9% less
Transportation12510020.0% less
Healthcare1129812.5% less
Utilities1051004.8% less

Tax Comparison

Tax Type Los Angeles, CA Milwaukee, WI
State Income Tax13.30% (top)7.65% (top)
State Sales Tax7.25%5.00%
Avg Property Tax Rate0.71%1.51%
Estate / Inheritance TaxNoneNone

What You'd Need to Earn

Los Angeles, CA
$95,000
Median household income
Milwaukee, WI
$55,000
Median household income
⚠️ Heads up: Milwaukee costs more but median income is lower. You may need to earn more to maintain the same standard of living.

Salary Equivalent Calculator

Find out what you'd need to earn in Milwaukee to maintain your Los Angeles lifestyle.

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Based on overall cost index: Los Angeles (136) vs Milwaukee (93). This is an estimate for comparison purposes.

Job Market Snapshot

Unemployment Rate
Los Angeles5.4%
Milwaukee4.2%
Job Growth (YoY)
Los Angeles2.5%
Milwaukee1.8%
Top Industries
Los AngelesEntertainment, Tech, Healthcare
MilwaukeeManufacturing, Healthcare, Finance

Quality of Life

Avg Commute
Los Angeles33 min
Milwaukee24 min
Walk Score
Los Angeles67
Milwaukee62
Air Quality (AQI)
Los Angeles62
Milwaukee40
Avg Temperature
Los Angeles66°F
Milwaukee47°F
Population
Los Angeles3,898,747
Milwaukee577,222

Moving from Los Angeles to Milwaukee?

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Planning Your Move?

Here are some helpful resources if you're considering relocating.

🏠 Find ApartmentsBrowse rentals in Los Angeles and Milwaukee → 🚚 Get Moving QuotesCompare prices from top movers → 📈 Check Home ValuesSee real estate trends in both cities → 💼 Search JobsFind open positions in Milwaukee →

Compare Other Cities

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Frequently Asked Questions

Is Los Angeles or Milwaukee cheaper to live in?+
Milwaukee is the more affordable option overall. The biggest difference is in housing costs, where the gap is about 53.9%. Day-to-day expenses like groceries and transportation are closer between the two cities.
How much is rent in Los Angeles vs Milwaukee?+
A typical one-bedroom apartment costs around $2,500/month in Los Angeles and $1,050/month in Milwaukee — a difference of about $1,450 per month.
Which city has lower taxes, Los Angeles or Milwaukee?+
California has a state income tax of 13.30% (top) and sales tax of 7.25%. Wisconsin has a state income tax of 7.65% (top) and sales tax of 5.00%. Consider all tax types together when evaluating total tax burden, as states with no income tax often compensate with higher sales or property taxes.
Can I afford to move from Los Angeles to Milwaukee?+
Median household income in Los Angeles is $95,000 compared to $55,000 in Milwaukee. Use the salary calculator above to see what you'd need to earn to maintain your current standard of living.
What about buying a home in Los Angeles vs Milwaukee?+
The median home price in Los Angeles is $880,000 versus $175,000 in Milwaukee — a difference of $705,000. Property tax rates also differ: California averages 0.71% while Wisconsin averages 1.51%.