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

Milwaukee

Wisconsin
67
VS

McKinney

Texas
138

Milwaukee is 51% cheaper than McKinney.

$1,033/mo ↓ 44%
Median Rent
$1,841/mo ↑ 78%
$51,888/yr ↓ 57%
Median Income
$120,273/yr ↑ 132%
$172,000 ↓ 61%
Home Value
$439,500 ↑ 156%
$1,082/mo ↓ 49%
Owner Costs
$2,101/mo ↑ 94%
569,756
Population
202,314

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
18.4%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Milwaukee, WI and McKinney, TX, the overall cost of living indices are 67 and 138 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $808/month cheaper in Milwaukee, saving renters about $9,696/year.

Median household income is $68,385/year higher in McKinney. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Milwaukee is $172,000 compared to $439,500 in McKinney.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Milwaukee vs McKinney — common questions

Is Milwaukee or McKinney cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Milwaukee is cheaper to live in with an index of 67 compared to 138 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Milwaukee and McKinney?
Median rent in Milwaukee is $1,033/month and in McKinney it's $1,841/month — a difference of $808/month.
Which city has higher income, Milwaukee or McKinney?
Median household income is $51,888 in Milwaukee and $120,273 in McKinney. Median household income is $68,385/year higher in McKinney.
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 McKinney?
It depends on your priorities. Milwaukee has a cost index of 67 with median rent of $1,033/mo, while McKinney has a cost index of 138 with rent of $1,841/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Milwaukee details → View McKinney details →

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