San Jose, California and Milwaukee, Wisconsin are two major U.S. cities located in two different regions and climates, presenting their own unique set of pros and cons. San Jose, nestled within the prime region of Silicon Valley, is known for its tech-driven economy and Mediterranean climate. Milwaukee, on the other hand, offers a mix of urban and small-town feel with a diverse job market and a vibrant beer brewing industry. This comparative analysis highlights key factors like crime, cost of living, infrastructure, culture, and more that prospective residents or visitors should consider.
Distance between
San Jose, CA and
Milwaukee, WI : 1,820.8 miles
San Jose's population is larger by 73%. Its population has grown by 88,546 people (9.9%) since 2000. The population of Milwaukee has decreased by 27,644 people (4.6%) during that time.
When it comes to crime rates, Milwaukee tends to have a higher crime rate compared to San Jose. In regards to safety, San Jose generally has a lower violent crime rate, making it a safer place to live for families. However, both cities have their safe and less safe neighborhoods, and individuals should research specific neighborhoods before finalizing their decision.
City-data.com crime index counts serious crimes and violent crime more heavily. It adjusts for the number of visitors and daily workers commuting into cities. (higher means more crime, U.S. average = 301.1)
City-data.com crime index counts serious crimes and violent crime more heavily. It adjusts for the number of visitors and daily workers commuting into cities. (higher means more crime, U.S. average = 301.1)
Sex Offenders
According to our data, there are 1,806 registered sex offenders living in San Jose and 2,401 registered sex offenders living in . The ratio of residents to sex offenders in San Jose is 568 to 1; the ratio in Milwaukee is 248 to 1. The number of registered sex offenders compared to the number of residents is a smaller in San Jose than in Milwaukee.
Cost of Living
Living in San Jose is significantly more expensive in comparison to Milwaukee. Housing is the biggest factor when it comes to the high cost of living in San Jose. Milwaukee's cost of living is well below the national average, making it more affordable, especially for families and young professionals.
Income Tax
California also has a high state income tax, hitting high earners particularly hard. Wisconsin has a more moderate income tax structure.
Property Tax
For property taxes, Wisconsin ranks higher than California. Despite the high cost of housing in San Jose, property taxes are lower compared with those in Milwaukee.
Sales Tax
California, including San Jose, has one of the highest state sales tax rates in the country. In contrast, Wisconsin, including Milwaukee, is much lower.
Income
Type
San Jose
Milwaukee
Estimated median household income
$126,377
$46,637
Estimated per capita income
$57,357
$26,998
Cost of living index (U.S. average is 100)
127.4
97.5
If you make $50,000 in Milwaukee, you will have to make $65,333 in San Jose to maintain the same standard of living.
Geographical Conditions
San Jose is nestled in Silicon Valley, with the Santa Cruz mountains to the west and the Diablo range to the east. Milwaukee is located along the western shore of Lake Michigan, offering beautiful lakefront views.
Both cities have good educational systems with a variety of public and private school options. However, San Jose is renowned for its proximity to high-ranking universities like Stanford and UC Berkeley. Milwaukee, while it does not have the same amount of top-rated schools, does house the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee, and Marquette University.
San Jose, located in the heart of Silicon Valley, has a strong economy powered by the technology industry. On the other side, Milwaukee has a diversified economy with healthcare, manufacturing, and service jobs being prominent.
Biggest Employers
San Jose's biggest employers are tech giants like Apple, Google, and Cisco. In contrast, Milwaukee's employment scenario is diverse, with companies like Aurora Health Care, Ascension Wisconsin, and Kohl's Department Stores.
There were 299 building permits issued in San Jose in 2012 (216 more than in 2011) compared to 28 building permits issued in Milwaukee in 2012 (103 less than in 2011).
In San Jose (Santa Clara County), 70.0% voted for Democrats and 27.1% for Republicans in 2012 Presidential Election. In Milwaukee (Milwaukee County), 67.8% voted for Democrats and 31.6% for Republicans.
Elections
Type
Democrats
Republicans
Other
Year
San Jose
Milwaukee
San Jose
Milwaukee
San Jose
Milwaukee
2020
72.7%
69.3%
25.2%
29.4%
2.1%
1.3%
2016
72.7%
65.6%
20.6%
28.6%
6.7%
5.8%
2012
70.0%
67.8%
27.1%
31.6%
2.9%
0.5%
2008
69.6%
67.8%
28.6%
31.7%
1.8%
0.5%
2004
64.3%
62.0%
34.8%
37.5%
0.9%
0.5%
2000
60.7%
58.5%
34.4%
37.9%
4.9%
3.6%
1996
56.9%
58.3%
32.2%
32.2%
11.0%
9.5%
Breakdown of population affiliated with a religious congregation
Type
Adherents
Congregations
Religion
San Jose
Milwaukee
San Jose
Milwaukee
CATHOLIC CHURCH
25.1%
21.0%
6.0%
10.8%
MUSLIM ESTIMATE
1.1%
1.0%
1.8%
1.1%
SOUTHERN BAPTIST CONVENTION
0.9%
1.3%
7.7%
4.3%
EPISCOPAL CHURCH
0.5%
0.4%
2.3%
1.7%
SEVENTH DAY ADVENTIST CHURCH
0.4%
0.3%
2.6%
1.3%
EVANGELICAL LUTHERAN CHURCH IN AMERICA
0.3%
2.4%
2.3%
6.7%
LUTHERAN CHURCH
0.2%
3.0%
1.4%
5.9%
AMERICAN BAPTIST CHURCHES IN THE USA
0.1%
0.7%
1.1%
3.1%
WISCONSIN EVANGELICAL LUTHERAN SYNOD
0.1%
2.2%
0.2%
6.0%
Weather
The weather in these two cities is sharply contrasted. San Jose enjoys a pleasant, Mediterranean climate with mild, wet winters and warm, dry summers. In contrast, Milwaukee experiences a humid continental climate, with cold, snowy winters and warm summers.
Weather and climate
Type
San Jose
Milwaukee
Temperature - Average
60.9°F
48.1°F
Humidity - Average morning or afternoon humidity
77.3%
77%
Humidity - Differences between morning and afternoon humidity
35.5%
26%
Humidity - Maximum monthly morning or afternoon humidity
87%
85%
Humidity - Minimum monthly morning or afternoon humidity
51.6%
59%
Precipitation - Yearly average
16.1 in
33.3 in
Snowfall - Yearly average
0 in
95.8 in
Clouds - Number of days clear of clouds
27.4%
14.9%
Sunshine amount - Average
73.8%
57.6%
Sunshine amount - Differences during a year
23%
34%
Sunshine amount - Maximum monthly
77.4%
69%
Sunshine amount - Minimum monthly
54.4%
35%
Wind speed - Average
10.3 mph
11 mph
Average climate in San Jose, California
Average climate in Milwaukee, Wisconsin
Air pollution
Type
AQI
CO
NO2
OZONE
PB
PM10
PM25
SO2
Year
San Jose
Milwaukee
San Jose
Milwaukee
San Jose
Milwaukee
San Jose
Milwaukee
San Jose
Milwaukee
Milwaukee
San Jose
Milwaukee
San Jose
Milwaukee
2018
94
84
0.49
N/A
14.5
8.8
22.2
28.2
0.006
N/A
15.3
N/A
12.5
7.8
0.2
0.2
2017
91
80
0.50
N/A
14.6
8.9
23.5
27.7
0.004
N/A
14.3
N/A
10.2
6.9
0.2
0.3
2016
69
86
0.47
N/A
13.7
9.4
22.4
27.0
0.003
N/A
15.0
N/A
8.8
7.4
0.2
1.2
2015
84
78
0.52
N/A
15.4
9.6
22.3
27.2
0.004
N/A
14.9
N/A
9.2
7.8
0.3
1.1
2014
83
89
0.40
N/A
13.9
9.9
21.5
26.0
0.004
N/A
15.4
N/A
8.2
9.2
0.2
1.0
2013
90
81
0.41
N/A
15.2
10.4
20.8
26.9
0.005
N/A
15.4
N/A
12.4
9.6
0.3
0.7
2012
74
108
0.35
N/A
13.3
11.5
21.8
28.3
0.003
N/A
17.2
N/A
10.1
9.6
0.3
1.0
2011
83
95
0.37
N/A
14.8
11.4
20.6
27.3
0.003
N/A
16.2
N/A
12.3
10.1
0.3
1.2
2010
88
83
0.35
N/A
14.4
12.9
20.4
26.9
0.004
N/A
N/A
N/A
9.0
N/A
0.4
N/A
2009
89
69
0.40
N/A
14.7
12.2
18.2
23.7
0.004
N/A
N/A
N/A
9.3
N/A
0.3
N/A
2008
100
61
0.45
N/A
16.7
12.4
20.6
24.6
N/A
N/A
17.3
N/A
12.6
N/A
N/A
N/A
2007
92
80
0.44
N/A
16.6
14.2
20.0
24.1
0.009
N/A
19.9
N/A
11.1
N/A
N/A
N/A
2006
100
66
0.46
0.35
18.0
14.7
21.8
22.8
N/A
0.017
19.9
N/A
11.1
N/A
N/A
2.6
2005
95
99
0.68
0.36
18.6
16.6
20.0
25.1
N/A
0.015
25.4
N/A
11.6
N/A
N/A
3.1
2004
98
75
0.63
0.41
18.5
16.6
20.4
21.2
N/A
0.011
21.4
N/A
9.9
N/A
N/A
3.3
2003
87
76
0.73
0.41
20.6
16.7
19.1
27.1
N/A
0.017
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
3.3
2002
78
92
0.65
0.40
19.5
N/A
18.0
28.9
0.006
0.018
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
3.7
2001
75
96
0.61
0.34
18.5
15.8
16.8
28.3
0.008
0.020
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
3.0
2000
65
84
0.66
0.29
18.9
16.5
15.6
27.0
0.009
0.018
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
3.4
Natural disasters
Type
San Jose
Milwaukee
Tornado activity compared to U.S. average
9%
118.1%
Earthquake activity compared to U.S. average
7,785.3%
109.3%
Natural disasters compared to U.S. average
19%
19%
Transportation
Both cities have established public transportation systems. However, San Jose, with its BART (Bay Area Rapid Transit), has a more extensive network. Milwaukee’s public transit primarily comprises buses and a downtown streetcar.
Transport
Type
San Jose
Milwaukee
Amtrak stations
1
1
Amtrak stations nearby
3
1
FAA registered aircraft
553
202
FAA registered aircraft manufacturers and dealers
13
1
Means of transportation to work
Type
San Jose
Milwaukee
Bicycle
1%
0.5%
Bus
1.1%
4.2%
Carpooled
11.4%
8.4%
Car alone
80.5%
81.1%
Motorcycle
0.2%
0.1%
Railroad
0.2%
0%
Subway
0.2%
0%
Taxicab
0%
0.2%
Walked
3.3%
3.9%
Average travel time to work
Type
San Jose
Milwaukee
Average
29.2 min
24.2 min
Other means
27.9 min
21.1 min
Public transportation
48.5 min
40.3 min
Private vehicle occupancy
Type
San Jose
Milwaukee
Average
1.2
1.2
Drove alone
87.3%
88.7%
In 2 person carpool
8.9%
8.4%
In 3 person carpool
1.9%
1.6%
In 4 person carpool
1.1%
0.7%
In 5-6 person carpool
0.6%
0.4%
In 7+ person carpool
0.2%
0.1%
How many people usually rode to work in the car, truck or van.
Real Estate
Real estate in San Jose is pricey due to high demand and limited supply. Milwaukee offers more affordable housing options, making it an attractive location for home buyers and investors.
Neighborhoods
San Jose offers upscale neighborhoods like Willow Glen and Silver Creek, whereas Milwaukee features diverse neighborhoods, including the historic Third Ward and family-friendly Wauwatosa.
Houses and residents
Type
San Jose
Milwaukee
Houses
340,561
257,812
Average household size (people)
3.1
2.5
Median year apartment built
1979
1956
Median year house/condo built
1973
1952
Length of stay in the house since moving in
15.6 years
14.1 years
Houses occupied
322,881 (94.8%)
232,362 (90.1%)
Houses occupied by owners
179,797 (55.7%)
96,044 (41.3%)
Houses occupied by renters
143,084 (44.3%)
136,318 (58.7%)
Median rent asked for vacant for-rent units
$3,214
$854.05
Median monthly housing costs
$2,463
$965
Median price asked for vacant for-sale houses and condos
$1,197,016
$172,751
Estimated median house or condo value
Over $1,000,000
$160,100
Median numbers of rooms
4.9
4.9
Median number of rooms in apartments
3.6
4.3
Median number of rooms in houses and condos
6
5.7
Median house price - detached houses
Over $1,000,000
$177,554
Median house price - in 2-unit structures
$753,788
$161,248
Median house price - in 3-to-4-unit structures
$680,453
$178,933
Median house price - in 5 or more unit structures
$688,625
$222,376
Median house price - mobile homes
$240,963
$67,466
Median house price - Townhouses or other attached units
$892,629
$171,473
Median house price - All housing units
Over $1,000,000
$176,965
Median house age
45
68
Renting percentage
41.5%
56.4%
Housing density (houses/condos per square mile)
1,947.6
2,683.8
House value disparities
21.2%
33%
Household income disparities
38.3%
46.1%
Median household income for houses/condes with a mortgage
$197,583
$72,490
Median household income for apartments without a mortgage
$103,711
$53,843
Housing units without a mortgage
2,632 (2.1%)
1,800 (2.8%)
Housing units with both a second mortgage and home equity loan
13,499 (10.6%)
3,918 (6.2%)
Housing units with a mortgage
124,224 (97.9%)
61,602 (97.2%)
Housing units with a home equity loan
346 (0.3%)
270 (0.4%)
Housing units with a second mortgage
16,249 (12.8%)
5,023 (7.9%)
House/condo owner moved in on average (years ago)
14
13
House/condo renter moved in on average (years ago)
3
1
Housing units lacking complete kitchen facilities
1.2%
4.5%
Housing units lacking complete plumbing facilities
0.6%
1.1%
Housing units in structures
Housing units in structures
San Jose
Milwaukee
One, detached
50.9%
38.9%
One, attached
11.5%
4.5%
Two
1.1%
23.5%
3 or 4
5.0%
6.3%
5 to 9
5.1%
6.3%
10 to 19
4.5%
4.1%
20 to 49
4.5%
6.6%
50 or more
14.2%
9.5%
Mobile homes
3.1%
0.3%
Boats, RVs, vans, etc.
0.1%
0.0%
Median real estate property taxes paid for housing units
Self-employed workers in own not incorporated business
28,517
10,069
State government workers
10,222
7,334
Unpaid family workers
472
199
Industries and Occupations
In San Jose, the dominant industries are technology and IT services, while Milwaukee is known for its brewing and manufacturing industries. Employment opportunities in San Jose are often tech-related, whereas Milwaukee offers a variety of jobs in healthcare, education, and financial services.
San Jose is home to world-renowned medical facilities like Stanford Health Care. Milwaukee hosts commendable healthcare systems like the Aurora Health Care and Froedtert & the Medical College of Wisconsin.
Health (county statistics)
Type
San Jose
Milwaukee
General health status score of residents in this county from 1 (poor) to 5 (excellent)
San Jose benefits from its location in Silicon Valley, boasting extensive technological and digital infrastructure. Milwaukee's urban landscape embodies a mix of contemporary and historic architecture, with continuous development projects improving the city's infrastructure.
Infrastructure
Type
San Jose
Milwaukee
Hospitals
20
29
TV stations
9
17
Arenas or stadiums
2
3
Bank branches located here
145
146
Bank institutions located here
25
29
Main business address for public companies
74
32
Drinking water stations with no reported violations in the past
21
24
Drinking water stations with reported violations in the past
HMDA - Conventional home purchase loans - Applications denied
Year
San Jose
Milwaukee
1999
3,839
1,506
2000
2,577
1,666
2001
1,953
1,410
2002
1,908
1,157
2003
3,578
1,641
2004
5,489
2,251
2005
6,994
3,325
2006
6,324
4,218
2007
4,298
2,555
2008
2,419
719
2009
1,631
456
Culture and Food
San Jose benefits from a diverse population and reflects this in its culinary and cultural scene, characterized by a mix of global cuisines. Milwaukee is famous for German heritage, beer, and bratwurst, along with its annual music festival, Summerfest.
Sports Teams
San Jose has a couple of sports teams like the Sharks (NHL) and Earthquakes (MLS). Milwaukee is home to the Bucks (NBA) and Brewers (MLB), and the Green Bay Packers (NFL) play not far away.
San Jose, CA
Milwaukee, WI
San Jose, CA and 
Milwaukee, WI : 1,820.8 miles
