Side-by-side cost of living comparison for 2026
28% cheaper
Milwaukee is 28% more affordable than Sacramento. A $75,000 salary in Sacramento 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 Sacramento sits at 163 (national average = 100). The median home in Milwaukee costs $175,000 compared to $450,000 in Sacramento, a difference of $275,000. Monthly rent follows a similar pattern: $1,100 in Milwaukee versus $1,700 in Sacramento.
Groceries and everyday expenses show a narrower gap: Milwaukee scores 100 while Sacramento scores 104. Both cities are close to the national average for grocery costs.
Healthcare costs in Milwaukee (102) are lower than Sacramento (106). Both are close to the national average.
Median household income in Milwaukee is $44,044 compared to $64,660 in Sacramento. When adjusted for cost of living, income goes further in Milwaukee.
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