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

Milwaukee

Wisconsin
67
VS

Carrollton

Texas
116

Milwaukee is 42% cheaper than Carrollton.

$1,033/mo ↓ 38%
Median Rent
$1,674/mo ↑ 62%
$51,888/yr ↓ 48%
Median Income
$99,115/yr ↑ 91%
$172,000 ↓ 51%
Home Value
$353,600 ↑ 106%
$1,082/mo ↓ 36%
Owner Costs
$1,689/mo ↑ 56%
569,756
Population
132,741

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
20.3%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Milwaukee, WI and Carrollton, TX, the overall cost of living indices are 67 and 116 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $641/month cheaper in Milwaukee, saving renters about $7,692/year.

Median household income is $47,227/year higher in Carrollton. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Milwaukee is $172,000 compared to $353,600 in Carrollton.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Milwaukee vs Carrollton — common questions

Is Milwaukee or Carrollton cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Milwaukee is cheaper to live in with an index of 67 compared to 116 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Milwaukee and Carrollton?
Median rent in Milwaukee is $1,033/month and in Carrollton it's $1,674/month — a difference of $641/month.
Which city has higher income, Milwaukee or Carrollton?
Median household income is $51,888 in Milwaukee and $99,115 in Carrollton. Median household income is $47,227/year higher in Carrollton.
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 Carrollton?
It depends on your priorities. Milwaukee has a cost index of 67 with median rent of $1,033/mo, while Carrollton has a cost index of 116 with rent of $1,674/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Milwaukee details → View Carrollton details →

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