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

Milwaukee

Wisconsin
67
VS

Arlington

Texas
95

Milwaukee is 29% cheaper than Arlington.

$1,033/mo ↓ 26%
Median Rent
$1,389/mo ↑ 34%
$51,888/yr ↓ 29%
Median Income
$73,519/yr ↑ 42%
$172,000 ↓ 38%
Home Value
$276,400 ↑ 61%
$1,082/mo ↓ 24%
Owner Costs
$1,420/mo ↑ 31%
569,756
Population
394,769

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
22.7%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Milwaukee, WI and Arlington, TX, the overall cost of living indices are 67 and 95 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $356/month cheaper in Milwaukee, saving renters about $4,272/year.

Median household income is $21,631/year higher in Arlington. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Milwaukee is $172,000 compared to $276,400 in Arlington.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Milwaukee vs Arlington — common questions

Is Milwaukee or Arlington cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Milwaukee is cheaper to live in with an index of 67 compared to 95 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Milwaukee and Arlington?
Median rent in Milwaukee is $1,033/month and in Arlington it's $1,389/month — a difference of $356/month.
Which city has higher income, Milwaukee or Arlington?
Median household income is $51,888 in Milwaukee and $73,519 in Arlington. Median household income is $21,631/year higher in Arlington.
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 Arlington?
It depends on your priorities. Milwaukee has a cost index of 67 with median rent of $1,033/mo, while Arlington has a cost index of 95 with rent of $1,389/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Milwaukee details → View Arlington details →

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