Quick answer
Overall prices in the San Francisco, CA metro were 115.6 vs 96.9 in Milwaukee, WI in 2024 (US = 100), so San Francisco is 19.3% more expensive than Milwaukee; housing rents differ by 101% (194.7 vs 97.1). A $75,000 income in San Francisco buys about what $62,885 buys in Milwaukee, per BEA.
Data as of 2024. Source: U.S. Bureau of Economic Analysis, Regional Price Parities 2024
| Price index (US = 100) | San Francisco | Milwaukee | San Francisco vs Milwaukee |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items | 115.6 | 96.9 | +19.3% |
| Goods | 108.5 | 93.8 | +15.7% |
| Housing (rents) | 194.7 | 97.1 | +100.5% |
| Utilities | 172.6 | 91.6 | +88.4% |
| Other services | 106.2 | 99.4 | +6.8% |
| All items, 2008 | 119.1 | 97.7 | +21.9% |
| $50,000 in San Francisco equals in Milwaukee | $41,923 | ||
| $100,000 in San Francisco equals in Milwaukee | $83,846 | ||
| $150,000 in San Francisco equals in Milwaukee | $125,769 |
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Last updated 2026-10-16. Data only, not financial or tax advice.