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

Milwaukee

Wisconsin
67
VS

Garland

Texas
96

Milwaukee is 30% cheaper than Garland.

$1,033/mo ↓ 32%
Median Rent
$1,525/mo ↑ 48%
$51,888/yr ↓ 31%
Median Income
$74,717/yr ↑ 44%
$172,000 ↓ 31%
Home Value
$248,900 ↑ 45%
$1,082/mo ↓ 25%
Owner Costs
$1,445/mo ↑ 34%
569,756
Population
245,298

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
24.5%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Milwaukee, WI and Garland, TX, the overall cost of living indices are 67 and 96 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $492/month cheaper in Milwaukee, saving renters about $5,904/year.

Median household income is $22,829/year higher in Garland. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Milwaukee is $172,000 compared to $248,900 in Garland.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Milwaukee vs Garland — common questions

Is Milwaukee or Garland cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Milwaukee is cheaper to live in with an index of 67 compared to 96 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Milwaukee and Garland?
Median rent in Milwaukee is $1,033/month and in Garland it's $1,525/month — a difference of $492/month.
Which city has higher income, Milwaukee or Garland?
Median household income is $51,888 in Milwaukee and $74,717 in Garland. Median household income is $22,829/year higher in Garland.
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 Garland?
It depends on your priorities. Milwaukee has a cost index of 67 with median rent of $1,033/mo, while Garland has a cost index of 96 with rent of $1,525/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Milwaukee details → View Garland details →

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