Median rent is 57% lower in Milwaukee ($1,059/mo vs $2,476/mo). Buying is cheaper in Milwaukee, where the median home runs $184,000 versus $1,394,500. Households earn more in San Francisco ($140,970 vs $54,234 a year). Taken together, Milwaukee is the more affordable choice with a cost index of 95.7 against 117.6 — about 19% lower overall prices. After adjusting income for local prices, a typical paycheck stretches further in San Francisco, CA.
Cost of living verdict
Milwaukee is 19% cheaper overall
Cost of Living Index: 95.7 in Milwaukee vs 117.6 in San Francisco (US national average = 100)
City A
Milwaukee, WI
City B
San Francisco, CA
How much would you need to earn in San Francisco, CA to maintain your standard of living from Milwaukee, WI?
Equivalent salary in San Francisco, CA
$92,152
You'd need $17,152 more (23% higher).
Based on BEA Regional Price Parity (cost index) for each metro area. This estimates overall purchasing power; it does not account for taxes or take-home pay differences.
Metric
Milwaukee
Wisconsin
San Francisco
California
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: Census ACS, BEA, HUD Fair Market Rents, EPA AirNow, Tax Foundation
Renters will find significantly cheaper housing in Milwaukee — median rent of $1,059/mo versus $2,476/mo in San Francisco, a 57% difference. Home buyers face a steeper market in San Francisco: the median home is $1,394,500 versus $184,000 in Milwaukee — 87% more expensive.
1BR Fair Market Rent
2BR Fair Market Rent
BLS OEWS 2023 — metro-level data
State tax data is not yet available for these cities.
Milwaukee
Income tax: N/A
Sales tax: N/A
San Francisco
Income tax: N/A
Sales tax: N/A
Air quality data is available for Milwaukee (avg AQI 22.0) but not yet for San Francisco.
Pick Milwaukee if you prioritize lower overall cost of living (index 95.7 vs 117.6).
Pick San Francisco if you prioritize higher median household income ($140,970/yr).
Pick Milwaukee if you prioritize cheaper rent ($1,059/mo median).
Is Milwaukee cheaper than San Francisco?
Milwaukee is cheaper overall, with a cost of living index of 95.7 versus 117.6 (US average = 100). That means prices run about 19% lower in Milwaukee.
How much is rent in Milwaukee vs San Francisco?
Median rent is $1,059/mo in Milwaukee, WI and $2,476/mo in San Francisco, CA. Milwaukee, WI has the lower rent by about 57%.
Which has higher salaries — Milwaukee or San Francisco?
Median household income is $54,234 in Milwaukee, WI and $140,970 in San Francisco, CA. San Francisco, CA 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 — Milwaukee or San Francisco?
State tax data is not yet available for one or both cities.
What salary do I need in San Francisco to match my Milwaukee income?
To maintain the same purchasing power, a salary of $100,000 in Milwaukee, WI is equivalent to roughly $122,869 in San Francisco, CA (using the BEA Regional Price Parity ratio). Use the salary calculator above for any income amount.
Data last updated: December 1, 2026 · Sources: US Census ACS, BEA RPP, BLS OEWS, HUD FMR, EPA AirNow, Tax Foundation · Methodology
