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

Houston

Texas
88
VS

Milwaukee

Wisconsin
67

Houston is 31% more expensive than Milwaukee.

$1,313/mo ↑ 27%
Median Rent
$1,033/mo ↓ 21%
$62,894/yr ↑ 21%
Median Income
$51,888/yr ↓ 17%
$253,400 ↑ 47%
Home Value
$172,000 ↓ 32%
$1,316/mo ↑ 22%
Owner Costs
$1,082/mo ↓ 18%
2,300,419
Population
569,756

Tax Comparison

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

Affordability

25.1%
rent-to-income
Affordability
23.9%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Houston, TX and Milwaukee, WI, the overall cost of living indices are 88 and 67 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $280/month cheaper in Milwaukee, saving renters about $3,360/year.

Median household income is $11,006/year higher in Houston. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Houston is $253,400 compared to $172,000 in Milwaukee.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Houston vs Milwaukee — common questions

Is Houston or Milwaukee cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Milwaukee is cheaper to live in with an index of 67 compared to 88 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Houston and Milwaukee?
Median rent in Houston is $1,313/month and in Milwaukee it's $1,033/month — a difference of $280/month.
Which city has higher income, Houston or Milwaukee?
Median household income is $62,894 in Houston and $51,888 in Milwaukee. Median household income is $11,006/year higher in Houston.
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 Houston or Milwaukee?
It depends on your priorities. Houston has a cost index of 88 with median rent of $1,313/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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