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

Dallas

Texas
97
VS

Milwaukee

Wisconsin
67

Dallas is 45% more expensive than Milwaukee.

$1,403/mo ↑ 36%
Median Rent
$1,033/mo ↓ 26%
$67,760/yr ↑ 31%
Median Income
$51,888/yr ↓ 23%
$295,300 ↑ 72%
Home Value
$172,000 ↓ 42%
$1,409/mo ↑ 30%
Owner Costs
$1,082/mo ↓ 23%
1,299,553
Population
569,756

Tax Comparison

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

Affordability

24.8%
rent-to-income
Affordability
23.9%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Dallas, TX and Milwaukee, WI, the overall cost of living indices are 97 and 67 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $370/month cheaper in Milwaukee, saving renters about $4,440/year.

Median household income is $15,872/year higher in Dallas. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Dallas is $295,300 compared to $172,000 in Milwaukee.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Dallas vs Milwaukee — common questions

Is Dallas or Milwaukee cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Milwaukee is cheaper to live in with an index of 67 compared to 97 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Dallas and Milwaukee?
Median rent in Dallas is $1,403/month and in Milwaukee it's $1,033/month — a difference of $370/month.
Which city has higher income, Dallas or Milwaukee?
Median household income is $67,760 in Dallas and $51,888 in Milwaukee. Median household income is $15,872/year higher in Dallas.
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 Dallas or Milwaukee?
It depends on your priorities. Dallas has a cost index of 97 with median rent of $1,403/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.
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