Side-by-side cost of living comparison for 2026
28% cheaper
Milwaukee is 28% more affordable than Riverside. A $75,000 salary in Riverside is equivalent to $53,906 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 Riverside sits at 155 (national average = 100). The median home in Milwaukee costs $175,000 compared to $500,000 in Riverside, a difference of $325,000. Monthly rent follows a similar pattern: $1,100 in Milwaukee versus $1,800 in Riverside.
Groceries and everyday expenses show a narrower gap: Milwaukee scores 100 while Riverside scores 103. Both cities are close to the national average for grocery costs.
Healthcare costs in Milwaukee (102) match Riverside (102). Both are close to the national average.
Median household income in Milwaukee is $44,044 compared to $67,068 in Riverside. When adjusted for cost of living, income goes further in Milwaukee.
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