Median rent is 37% lower in Waukesha ($1,183/mo vs $1,879/mo). Buying is cheaper in Waukesha, where the median home runs $286,600 versus $879,500. Households earn more in Waukesha ($81,651 vs $80,366 a year). Taken together, Waukesha is the more affordable choice with a cost index of 95.1 against 113.3 — about 16% lower overall prices. After adjusting income for local prices, a typical paycheck stretches further in Waukesha, WI.
Quick verdict
Waukesha is 16% cheaper overall
Cost index: 95.1 in Waukesha vs 113.3 in Los Angeles (US average = 100)
City A
Los Angeles, CA
City B
Waukesha, WI
How much would you need to earn in Waukesha, WI to maintain your standard of living from Los Angeles, CA?
Equivalent salary in Waukesha, WI
$62,962
You could earn $12,038 less (16% lower) and break even.
Based on BEA Regional Price Parity (cost index) for each city's metro area. A rough estimate of overall purchasing power, not tax or take-home pay.
Metric
Los Angeles
California
Waukesha
Wisconsin
👥Population
💰Median Household Income
Annual
🏠Median Gross Rent
Per month
🏡Median Home Value
📊Cost of Living Index
US avg = 100
🔑1BR Fair Market Rent
HUD FMR
🔑2BR Fair Market Rent
HUD FMR
🔑3BR Fair Market Rent
HUD FMR
🌬️Air Quality Index
Lower = cleaner
🏛️Top State Income Tax
Top marginal rate
🧾State Sales Tax
Statewide base rate
🎂Median Age
Years
✓ = better value · Sources: US Census ACS, BEA RPP, HUD FMR, EPA AirNow, Tax Foundation
Renters will find significantly cheaper housing in Waukesha — median rent of $1,183/mo versus $1,879/mo in Los Angeles, a 37% difference. Home buyers face a steeper market in Los Angeles: the median home is $879,500 versus $286,600 in Waukesha — 67% more expensive.
1BR Fair Market Rent
2BR Fair Market Rent
BLS OEWS 2023 — metro-level data
California's top income tax rate is 13.30% versus 7.65% in Wisconsin, so Waukesha is more tax-friendly for high earners. Sales tax is 7.25% in California and 5.00% in Wisconsin; Waukesha has the lower rate (local add-ons may apply in both).
Los Angeles
Income tax: 13.30%
Sales tax: 7.25%
Waukesha
Income tax: 7.65%
Sales tax: 5.00%
Air quality data is available for Los Angeles (avg AQI 77.0) but not yet for Waukesha.
Pick Waukesha if you prioritize lower overall cost of living (index 95.1 vs 113.3).
Pick Waukesha if you prioritize cheaper rent ($1,183/mo median).
Pick Waukesha if you prioritize lower state income tax (7.65%).
Is Los Angeles cheaper than Waukesha?
Waukesha is cheaper overall, with a cost of living index of 95.1 versus 113.3 (US average = 100). That means prices run about 16% lower in Waukesha.
How much is rent in Los Angeles vs Waukesha?
Median rent is $1,879/mo in Los Angeles, CA and $1,183/mo in Waukesha, WI. Waukesha, WI has the lower rent by about 37%.
Which has higher salaries — Los Angeles or Waukesha?
Median household income is $80,366 in Los Angeles, CA and $81,651 in Waukesha, WI. Waukesha, WI has the higher median income. Note that BLS occupational wages in the table above show wages for specific jobs.
Which city has better air quality?
Air quality data is not yet available for one or both cities.
Which has lower taxes — Los Angeles or Waukesha?
California's top income tax rate is 13.30% and Wisconsin's is 7.65%. Waukesha, WI has the lower rate.
What salary do I need in Waukesha to match my Los Angeles income?
To maintain the same purchasing power, a salary of $100,000 in Los Angeles, CA is equivalent to roughly $83,950 in Waukesha, WI (using the BEA Regional Price Parity ratio). Use the salary calculator above for any income amount.
Data last updated: December 1, 2024 · Sources: US Census ACS, BEA RPP, BLS OEWS, HUD FMR, EPA AirNow, Tax Foundation · Methodology