Cost of Living: Austin, TX vs Milwaukee, WI (2026)

Austin

Texas
134
VS

Milwaukee

Wisconsin
67

Austin is 100% more expensive than Milwaukee.

$1,655/mo ↑ 60%
Median Rent
$1,033/mo ↓ 38%
$91,461/yr ↑ 76%
Median Income
$51,888/yr ↓ 43%
$512,700 ↑ 198%
Home Value
$172,000 ↓ 66%
$1,747/mo ↑ 61%
Owner Costs
$1,082/mo ↓ 38%
967,862
Population
569,756

Tax Comparison

0%
Income Tax
7.65%
6.25%
State Sales Tax
5.0%
1.6%
Property Tax
1.61%

Affordability

21.7%
rent-to-income
Affordability
23.9%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Austin, TX and Milwaukee, WI, the overall cost of living indices are 134 and 67 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $622/month cheaper in Milwaukee, saving renters about $7,464/year.

Median household income is $39,573/year higher in Austin. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Austin is $512,700 compared to $172,000 in Milwaukee.

Texas has no state income tax, giving Austin residents a significant tax advantage over Wisconsin's 7.65% rate.

Frequently Asked Questions

Austin vs Milwaukee — common questions

Is Austin or Milwaukee cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Milwaukee is cheaper to live in with an index of 67 compared to 134 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Austin and Milwaukee?
Median rent in Austin is $1,655/month and in Milwaukee it's $1,033/month — a difference of $622/month.
Which city has higher income, Austin or Milwaukee?
Median household income is $91,461 in Austin and $51,888 in Milwaukee. Median household income is $39,573/year higher in Austin.
How do taxes compare between Texas and Wisconsin?
Texas has 0% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 1.6% property tax. Wisconsin has 7.65% income tax, 5.0% sales tax, and 1.61% property tax.
Should I move to Austin or Milwaukee?
It depends on your priorities. Austin has a cost index of 134 with median rent of $1,655/mo, while Milwaukee has a cost index of 67 with rent of $1,033/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Austin details → View Milwaukee details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Austin and Milwaukee

Austin vs. San Jose Austin vs. Jacksonville Austin vs. Dallas Austin vs. Fort Worth Austin vs. San Diego Austin vs. Columbus Milwaukee vs. Baltimore Milwaukee vs. Albuquerque Milwaukee vs. Louisville Milwaukee vs. Fresno Milwaukee vs. Memphis Milwaukee vs. Tucson