Side-by-side cost of living comparison for 2026
18% cheaper
Milwaukee is 18% more affordable than Modesto. A $75,000 salary in Modesto is equivalent to $61,607 in Milwaukee.
Index values shown. National average = 100. Lower is cheaper.
To maintain the same standard of living:
See exact take-home pay: Wisconsin salaries · California salaries
Housing is typically the biggest factor in any cost-of-living comparison. Milwaukee has a housing index of 80 while Modesto sits at 121 (national average = 100). The median home in Milwaukee costs $175,000 compared to $380,000 in Modesto, a difference of $205,000. Monthly rent follows a similar pattern: $1,100 in Milwaukee versus $1,400 in Modesto.
Groceries and everyday expenses show a narrower gap: Milwaukee scores 100 while Modesto scores 100. Both cities are close to the national average for grocery costs.
Healthcare costs in Milwaukee (102) are higher than Modesto (100). Both are close to the national average.
Median household income in Milwaukee is $44,044 compared to $55,138 in Modesto. When adjusted for cost of living, income goes further in Milwaukee.
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