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Cost of Living: San Francisco, 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.

37.2% Milwaukee, WI is cheaper overall
61.0% 61.0% cheaper housing
14.8% 14.8% cheaper groceries
Updated April 2026 · Data: Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Census Bureau National average = 100

At a Glance

🏠 Housing 61.0% cheaper
San Francisco
210
Milwaukee
82
🛒 Groceries 14.8% cheaper
San Francisco
115
Milwaukee
98
🚗 Transportation 21.9% cheaper
San Francisco
128
Milwaukee
100
🏥 Healthcare 16.9% cheaper
San Francisco
118
Milwaukee
98
⚡ Utilities 7.4% cheaper
San Francisco
108
Milwaukee
100

Detailed Breakdown

Category San Francisco, CA Milwaukee, WI Difference
Overall Cost Index1489337.2% less
Housing2108261.0% less
Median 1BR Rent$3,000$1,05065.0% less
Median Home Price$1,250,000$175,00086.0% less
Groceries1159814.8% less
Transportation12810021.9% less
Healthcare1189816.9% less
Utilities1081007.4% less

Tax Comparison

Tax Type San Francisco, 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

San Francisco, CA
$130,000
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 San Francisco lifestyle.

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Based on overall cost index: San Francisco (148) vs Milwaukee (93). This is an estimate for comparison purposes.

Job Market Snapshot

Unemployment Rate
San Francisco3.8%
Milwaukee4.2%
Job Growth (YoY)
San Francisco3.2%
Milwaukee1.8%
Top Industries
San FranciscoTech, Biotech, Finance
MilwaukeeManufacturing, Healthcare, Finance

Quality of Life

Avg Commute
San Francisco34 min
Milwaukee24 min
Walk Score
San Francisco87
Milwaukee62
Air Quality (AQI)
San Francisco42
Milwaukee40
Avg Temperature
San Francisco57°F
Milwaukee47°F
Population
San Francisco808,437
Milwaukee577,222

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Frequently Asked Questions

Is San Francisco 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 61.0%. Day-to-day expenses like groceries and transportation are closer between the two cities.
How much is rent in San Francisco vs Milwaukee?+
A typical one-bedroom apartment costs around $3,000/month in San Francisco and $1,050/month in Milwaukee — a difference of about $1,950 per month.
Which city has lower taxes, San Francisco 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 San Francisco to Milwaukee?+
Median household income in San Francisco is $130,000 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 San Francisco vs Milwaukee?+
The median home price in San Francisco is $1,250,000 versus $175,000 in Milwaukee — a difference of $1,075,000. Property tax rates also differ: California averages 0.71% while Wisconsin averages 1.51%.