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

Milwaukee

Wisconsin
67
VS

Brownsville

Texas
54

Milwaukee is 24% more expensive than Brownsville.

$1,033/mo ↑ 14%
Median Rent
$906/mo ↓ 12%
$51,888/yr ↑ 7%
Median Income
$48,675/yr ↓ 6%
$172,000 ↑ 41%
Home Value
$122,400 ↓ 29%
$1,082/mo ↑ 30%
Owner Costs
$830/mo ↓ 23%
569,756
Population
188,023

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
22.3%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Milwaukee, WI and Brownsville, TX, the overall cost of living indices are 67 and 54 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $127/month cheaper in Brownsville, saving renters about $1,524/year.

Median household income is $3,213/year higher in Milwaukee. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Milwaukee is $172,000 compared to $122,400 in Brownsville.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Milwaukee vs Brownsville — common questions

Is Milwaukee or Brownsville cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Brownsville is cheaper to live in with an index of 54 compared to 67 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Milwaukee and Brownsville?
Median rent in Milwaukee is $1,033/month and in Brownsville it's $906/month — a difference of $127/month.
Which city has higher income, Milwaukee or Brownsville?
Median household income is $51,888 in Milwaukee and $48,675 in Brownsville. Median household income is $3,213/year higher in Milwaukee.
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 Brownsville?
It depends on your priorities. Milwaukee has a cost index of 67 with median rent of $1,033/mo, while Brownsville has a cost index of 54 with rent of $906/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Milwaukee details → View Brownsville details →

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