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

Milwaukee

Wisconsin
67
VS

College Station

Texas
91

Milwaukee is 26% cheaper than College Station.

$1,033/mo ↓ 12%
Median Rent
$1,168/mo ↑ 13%
$51,888/yr ≈ Same
Median Income
$51,776/yr ≈ Same
$172,000 ↓ 47%
Home Value
$326,500 ↑ 90%
$1,082/mo ↓ 14%
Owner Costs
$1,251/mo ↑ 16%
569,756
Population
122,280

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
27.1%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Milwaukee, WI and College Station, TX, the overall cost of living indices are 67 and 91 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $135/month cheaper in Milwaukee, saving renters about $1,620/year.

Median household income is $112/year higher in Milwaukee. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Milwaukee is $172,000 compared to $326,500 in College Station.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Milwaukee vs College Station — common questions

Is Milwaukee or College Station cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Milwaukee is cheaper to live in with an index of 67 compared to 91 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Milwaukee and College Station?
Median rent in Milwaukee is $1,033/month and in College Station it's $1,168/month — a difference of $135/month.
Which city has higher income, Milwaukee or College Station?
Median household income is $51,888 in Milwaukee and $51,776 in College Station. Median household income is $112/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 College Station?
It depends on your priorities. Milwaukee has a cost index of 67 with median rent of $1,033/mo, while College Station has a cost index of 91 with rent of $1,168/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Milwaukee details → View College Station details →

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