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

Milwaukee

Wisconsin
67
VS

Abilene

Texas
71

Milwaukee is 6% cheaper than Abilene.

$1,033/mo ↓ 7%
Median Rent
$1,106/mo ↑ 7%
$51,888/yr ↓ 17%
Median Income
$62,720/yr ↑ 21%
$172,000 ↓ 4%
Home Value
$178,900 ↑ 4%
$1,082/mo ↓ 3%
Owner Costs
$1,114/mo ↑ 3%
569,756
Population
127,130

Tax Comparison

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

Affordability

23.9%
rent-to-income
Affordability
21.2%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Milwaukee, WI and Abilene, TX, the overall cost of living indices are 67 and 71 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $73/month cheaper in Milwaukee, saving renters about $876/year.

Median household income is $10,832/year higher in Abilene. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Milwaukee is $172,000 compared to $178,900 in Abilene.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Milwaukee vs Abilene — common questions

Is Milwaukee or Abilene cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Milwaukee is cheaper to live in with an index of 67 compared to 71 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Milwaukee and Abilene?
Median rent in Milwaukee is $1,033/month and in Abilene it's $1,106/month — a difference of $73/month.
Which city has higher income, Milwaukee or Abilene?
Median household income is $51,888 in Milwaukee and $62,720 in Abilene. Median household income is $10,832/year higher in Abilene.
How do taxes compare between Wisconsin and Texas?
Wisconsin has 7.65% income tax, 5.0% sales tax, and 1.61% property tax. Texas has 0% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 1.6% property tax.
Should I move to Milwaukee or Abilene?
It depends on your priorities. Milwaukee has a cost index of 67 with median rent of $1,033/mo, while Abilene has a cost index of 71 with rent of $1,106/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Milwaukee details → View Abilene details →

More Comparisons

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