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Cost of Living: Milwaukee, WI vs Sacramento, CA

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

26.9% Sacramento, CA is more expensive overall
73.2% 73.2% more expensive housing
6.1% 6.1% more expensive groceries
Updated April 2026 · Data: Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Census Bureau National average = 100

At a Glance

🏠 Housing 73.2% more
Milwaukee
82
Sacramento
142
🛒 Groceries 6.1% more
Milwaukee
98
Sacramento
104
🚗 Transportation 12.0% more
Milwaukee
100
Sacramento
112
🏥 Healthcare 10.2% more
Milwaukee
98
Sacramento
108
⚡ Utilities ~Same
Milwaukee
100
Sacramento
100

Detailed Breakdown

Category Milwaukee, WI Sacramento, CA Difference
Overall Cost Index9311826.9% more
Housing8214273.2% more
Median 1BR Rent$1,050$1,65057.1% more
Median Home Price$175,000$450,000157.1% more
Groceries981046.1% more
Transportation10011212.0% more
Healthcare9810810.2% more
Utilities100100~Same

Tax Comparison

Tax Type Milwaukee, WI Sacramento, CA
State Income Tax7.65% (top)13.30% (top)
State Sales Tax5.00%7.25%
Avg Property Tax Rate1.51%0.71%
Estate / Inheritance TaxNoneNone

What You'd Need to Earn

Milwaukee, WI
$55,000
Median household income
Sacramento, CA
$78,000
Median household income
✅ Good news: Income in Sacramento outpaces the cost difference, so your purchasing power should hold up.

Salary Equivalent Calculator

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

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Based on overall cost index: Milwaukee (93) vs Sacramento (118). This is an estimate for comparison purposes.

Job Market Snapshot

Unemployment Rate
Milwaukee4.2%
Sacramento4.2%
Job Growth (YoY)
Milwaukee1.8%
Sacramento2.7%
Top Industries
MilwaukeeManufacturing, Healthcare, Finance
SacramentoGovernment, Healthcare, Agriculture

Quality of Life

Avg Commute
Milwaukee24 min
Sacramento27 min
Walk Score
Milwaukee62
Sacramento44
Air Quality (AQI)
Milwaukee40
Sacramento50
Avg Temperature
Milwaukee47°F
Sacramento61°F
Population
Milwaukee577,222
Sacramento524,943

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Planning Your Move?

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

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

Compare Other Cities

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Frequently Asked Questions

Is Milwaukee or Sacramento cheaper to live in?+
Milwaukee is the more affordable option overall. The biggest difference is in housing costs, where the gap is about 73.2%. Day-to-day expenses like groceries and transportation are closer between the two cities.
How much is rent in Milwaukee vs Sacramento?+
A typical one-bedroom apartment costs around $1,050/month in Milwaukee and $1,650/month in Sacramento — a difference of about $600 per month.
Which city has lower taxes, Milwaukee or Sacramento?+
Wisconsin has a state income tax of 7.65% (top) and sales tax of 5.00%. California has a state income tax of 13.30% (top) and sales tax of 7.25%. 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 Milwaukee to Sacramento?+
Median household income in Milwaukee is $55,000 compared to $78,000 in Sacramento. 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 Milwaukee vs Sacramento?+
The median home price in Milwaukee is $175,000 versus $450,000 in Sacramento — a difference of $275,000. Property tax rates also differ: Wisconsin averages 1.51% while California averages 0.71%.