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

Fort Worth

Texas
97
VS

Milwaukee

Wisconsin
67

Fort Worth is 45% more expensive than Milwaukee.

$1,412/mo ↑ 37%
Median Rent
$1,033/mo ↓ 27%
$76,602/yr ↑ 48%
Median Income
$51,888/yr ↓ 32%
$277,300 ↑ 61%
Home Value
$172,000 ↓ 38%
$1,489/mo ↑ 38%
Owner Costs
$1,082/mo ↓ 27%
941,311
Population
569,756

Tax Comparison

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

Affordability

22.1%
rent-to-income
Affordability
23.9%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Fort Worth, TX and Milwaukee, WI, the overall cost of living indices are 97 and 67 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $379/month cheaper in Milwaukee, saving renters about $4,548/year.

Median household income is $24,714/year higher in Fort Worth. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Fort Worth is $277,300 compared to $172,000 in Milwaukee.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Fort Worth vs Milwaukee — common questions

Is Fort Worth 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 Fort Worth and Milwaukee?
Median rent in Fort Worth is $1,412/month and in Milwaukee it's $1,033/month — a difference of $379/month.
Which city has higher income, Fort Worth or Milwaukee?
Median household income is $76,602 in Fort Worth and $51,888 in Milwaukee. Median household income is $24,714/year higher in Fort Worth.
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 Fort Worth or Milwaukee?
It depends on your priorities. Fort Worth has a cost index of 97 with median rent of $1,412/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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