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Los Angeles vs Milwaukee

Cost of living comparison — C2ER 2024-2025 data

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Milwaukee is 45% cheaper than Los Angeles overall.Los Angeles has a cost of living index of 173 vs Milwaukee at 95 (national average = 100). The biggest difference is housing Los Angeles costs 66% more.

Pierre
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Los Angeles
CA
173
COLI index
VS
Milwaukee
WI
95
COLI index

Category Breakdown

CategoryLos AngelesMilwaukeeDifference
Overall COLI17395-45%
Housing308105-66%
Groceries113101-11%
Transport115104-10%
Healthcare106101-5%
Utilities122106-13%

Median 1BR Rent

Los Angeles
$2,400/mo
Milwaukee
$1,050/mo

Median Home Price

Los Angeles
$880,000
Milwaukee
$195,000

Median Household Income

Los Angeles
$71,358
Milwaukee
$45,389

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Frequently Asked Questions

Milwaukee is cheaper to live in overall. Los Angeles has a cost of living index of 173 while Milwaukee has an index of 95, where 100 represents the US national average. Milwaukee is 45% cheaper than Los Angeles overall.

The median 1-bedroom rent in Los Angeles is $2,400 per month compared to $1,050 in Milwaukee. The median home price in Los Angeles is $880,000 versus $195,000 in Milwaukee. Housing is typically the largest factor in cost of living differences between cities.

Los Angeles has a cost of living index of 173 and Milwaukee has an index of 95, both measured against a US national average of 100. An index above 100 means more expensive than the national average — below 100 means cheaper.

To maintain the same purchasing power as a salary in Los Angeles, multiply by 0.55. For example a $75,000 salary in Los Angeles is equivalent to approximately $41,185 in Milwaukee.

Los Angeles has a median household income of $71,358 per year versus $45,389 in Milwaukee. Higher incomes must be weighed against cost of living. Use the Dayblip salary tools to see specific job salaries in both cities.

Whether moving from Los Angeles to Milwaukee is worthwhile depends on your salary, lifestyle, and priorities. Milwaukee is 45% cheaper overall — with the biggest difference in housing. Use the Dayblip cost of living calculator to enter your specific salary and see the exact dollar impact.

Last updated: June 2026

Methodology: Cost of living indices from C2ER Cost of Living Index 2024-2025. Rent data from Zillow December 2024. Home price data from Zillow Home Value Index December 2024. Household income from US Census Bureau ACS 2023. National average COLI = 100. Data updated annually.