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

Milwaukee

Wisconsin
67
VS

Mesquite

Texas
89

Milwaukee is 25% cheaper than Mesquite.

$1,033/mo ↓ 27%
Median Rent
$1,407/mo ↑ 36%
$51,888/yr ↓ 28%
Median Income
$71,843/yr ↑ 38%
$172,000 ↓ 24%
Home Value
$226,500 ↑ 32%
$1,082/mo ↓ 22%
Owner Costs
$1,383/mo ↑ 28%
569,756
Population
148,848

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
23.5%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Milwaukee, WI and Mesquite, TX, the overall cost of living indices are 67 and 89 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $374/month cheaper in Milwaukee, saving renters about $4,488/year.

Median household income is $19,955/year higher in Mesquite. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Milwaukee is $172,000 compared to $226,500 in Mesquite.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Milwaukee vs Mesquite — common questions

Is Milwaukee or Mesquite cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Milwaukee is cheaper to live in with an index of 67 compared to 89 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Milwaukee and Mesquite?
Median rent in Milwaukee is $1,033/month and in Mesquite it's $1,407/month — a difference of $374/month.
Which city has higher income, Milwaukee or Mesquite?
Median household income is $51,888 in Milwaukee and $71,843 in Mesquite. Median household income is $19,955/year higher in Mesquite.
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 Mesquite?
It depends on your priorities. Milwaukee has a cost index of 67 with median rent of $1,033/mo, while Mesquite has a cost index of 89 with rent of $1,407/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
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