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

Milwaukee

Wisconsin
67
VS

Lubbock

Texas
75

Milwaukee is 11% cheaper than Lubbock.

$1,033/mo ↓ 9%
Median Rent
$1,137/mo ↑ 10%
$51,888/yr ↓ 14%
Median Income
$60,487/yr ↑ 17%
$172,000 ↓ 13%
Home Value
$197,900 ↑ 15%
$1,082/mo ↓ 8%
Owner Costs
$1,179/mo ↑ 9%
569,756
Population
261,078

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
22.6%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Milwaukee, WI and Lubbock, TX, the overall cost of living indices are 67 and 75 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $104/month cheaper in Milwaukee, saving renters about $1,248/year.

Median household income is $8,599/year higher in Lubbock. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Milwaukee is $172,000 compared to $197,900 in Lubbock.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Milwaukee vs Lubbock — common questions

Is Milwaukee or Lubbock cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Milwaukee is cheaper to live in with an index of 67 compared to 75 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Milwaukee and Lubbock?
Median rent in Milwaukee is $1,033/month and in Lubbock it's $1,137/month — a difference of $104/month.
Which city has higher income, Milwaukee or Lubbock?
Median household income is $51,888 in Milwaukee and $60,487 in Lubbock. Median household income is $8,599/year higher in Lubbock.
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 Lubbock?
It depends on your priorities. Milwaukee has a cost index of 67 with median rent of $1,033/mo, while Lubbock has a cost index of 75 with rent of $1,137/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Milwaukee details → View Lubbock details →

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