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

Milwaukee

Wisconsin
67
VS

Laredo

Texas
67

Milwaukee and Laredo have a similar cost of living.

$1,033/mo ↑ 3%
Median Rent
$1,001/mo ↓ 3%
$51,888/yr ↓ 18%
Median Income
$63,264/yr ↑ 22%
$172,000 ↓ 6%
Home Value
$182,400 ↑ 6%
$1,082/mo ↑ 2%
Owner Costs
$1,066/mo ↓ 1%
569,756
Population
255,949

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
19.0%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Milwaukee, WI and Laredo, TX, the overall cost of living indices are 67 and 67 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is comparable in both cities, with less than $50/month separating them.

Median household income is $11,376/year higher in Laredo. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Milwaukee is $172,000 compared to $182,400 in Laredo.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Milwaukee vs Laredo — common questions

Is Milwaukee or Laredo cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Laredo is cheaper to live in with an index of 67 compared to 67 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Milwaukee and Laredo?
Median rent in Milwaukee is $1,033/month and in Laredo it's $1,001/month — a difference of $32/month.
Which city has higher income, Milwaukee or Laredo?
Median household income is $51,888 in Milwaukee and $63,264 in Laredo. Median household income is $11,376/year higher in Laredo.
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 Laredo?
It depends on your priorities. Milwaukee has a cost index of 67 with median rent of $1,033/mo, while Laredo has a cost index of 67 with rent of $1,001/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Milwaukee details → View Laredo details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Milwaukee and Laredo

Milwaukee vs. Baltimore Milwaukee vs. Albuquerque Milwaukee vs. Louisville Milwaukee vs. Fresno Milwaukee vs. Memphis Milwaukee vs. Tucson Laredo vs. St. Petersburg Laredo vs. Irving Laredo vs. Lubbock Laredo vs. Chesapeake Laredo vs. Fort Wayne Laredo vs. Winston-Salem