47
Overall Score /100
Wins 2 of 7 categories
72
Overall Score /100
Wins 3 of 7 categories
Milwaukee wins 3–2
based on 7 categories of official U.S. government data
Milwaukee wins 2–3 overall (72/100)
💰 Milwaukee is more affordable
💼 Milwaukee has lower unemployment
🛡️ Milwaukee has fewer disasters
📋 Los Angeles vs Milwaukee — The Verdict
Milwaukee scores 72.8/100 compared to Los Angeles's 47.5/100, winning 3 out of 7 data categories. On affordability, Milwaukee has a clear edge with home prices 81% lower. Milwaukee has a significantly tighter job market with unemployment at 3.1%. For safety-conscious movers, Milwaukee has a notably lower disaster history with 46 fewer declarations in 20 years. Milwaukee may be the better fit for budget-conscious movers and job seekers.
💡 Key Differences
🏠
Home prices in Milwaukee are 81% lower — a difference of $664,800 in median home value.
💰
Renting in Milwaukee saves you $809/month — that's $9,708 per year.
💵
Households in Los Angeles earn $26,511 more per year (53% higher median income).
📊
Milwaukee has a 2.4 percentage point lower unemployment rate, suggesting a stronger job market.
🛡️
Milwaukee has experienced 46 fewer federally declared disasters in the last 20 years, indicating lower overall natural disaster risk.
Median Home Value
$822,600
$157,800
Median Rent /mo
$1,791
$982
Median Income
$76,244
$49,733
The affordability gap is significant — Milwaukee offers home prices 81% lower than Los Angeles, translating to $664,800 in savings on a median-priced home. This difference alone could determine which city makes financial sense for your situation.
Unemployment Rate
5.5%
3.1%
Milwaukee has a substantially stronger job market with unemployment 2.4 percentage points lower. If you're relocating without a job lined up, this difference matters.
Air Quality (AQI)
0
14 Good
Toxic Facilities (TRI)
0
0
Environmental conditions are broadly similar between the two cities based on current EPA monitoring data.
Max Internet Speed
N/A Mbps
N/A Mbps
Fiber Available
❌ No
❌ No
Solar Potential (kWh/m²/day)
Internet and utility infrastructure data helps assess remote work viability and monthly overhead costs in each city.
Disasters (20 years)
54
8
Milwaukee has a markedly lower disaster history — 46 fewer federal declarations over 20 years. This can translate to lower insurance premiums and less disruption to daily life.
❓ Moving from Los Angeles to Milwaukee: Common Questions
Is Los Angeles or Milwaukee cheaper to live in?
Milwaukee is more affordable overall. Home prices are $664,800 lower in Milwaukee. Monthly rent is $982 in Milwaukee vs $1,791 in Los Angeles.
Does Los Angeles or Milwaukee have better weather?
Los Angeles scores higher on climate (50/100 vs 40/100).
Is Los Angeles or Milwaukee better for finding a job?
Milwaukee currently has a stronger job market. Unemployment is 5.5% in Los Angeles vs 3.1% in Milwaukee. Median household income is $76,244 in Los Angeles and $49,733 in Milwaukee.
Which city is safer — Los Angeles or Milwaukee?
In terms of natural disaster risk, Milwaukee is safer. Los Angeles has had 54 federal disaster declarations in 20 years vs 8 in Milwaukee. Los Angeles scores 95/100 on safety vs 95/100 for Milwaukee.
Should I move from Los Angeles to Milwaukee?
Based on our data, Milwaukee scores 72.8/100 vs Los Angeles's 47.5/100 overall. The best choice depends on your priorities — Milwaukee is more affordable, while Los Angeles has a better climate.
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📊 Data: U.S. Census Bureau (ACS), Bureau of Labor Statistics (OEWS), NOAA Climate Normals,
EPA AirNow & TRI, NREL PVWatts, FEMA Disaster Declarations, FCC Broadband Data.
Last updated: April 4, 2026.