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

Milwaukee

Wisconsin
67
VS

Midland

Texas
99

Milwaukee is 32% cheaper than Midland.

$1,033/mo ↓ 27%
Median Rent
$1,407/mo ↑ 36%
$51,888/yr ↓ 43%
Median Income
$91,169/yr ↑ 76%
$172,000 ↓ 42%
Home Value
$298,600 ↑ 74%
$1,082/mo ↓ 26%
Owner Costs
$1,468/mo ↑ 36%
569,756
Population
133,998

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
18.5%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Milwaukee, WI and Midland, TX, the overall cost of living indices are 67 and 99 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $374/month cheaper in Milwaukee, saving renters about $4,488/year.

Median household income is $39,281/year higher in Midland. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Milwaukee is $172,000 compared to $298,600 in Midland.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Milwaukee vs Midland — common questions

Is Milwaukee or Midland cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Milwaukee is cheaper to live in with an index of 67 compared to 99 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Milwaukee and Midland?
Median rent in Milwaukee is $1,033/month and in Midland it's $1,407/month — a difference of $374/month.
Which city has higher income, Milwaukee or Midland?
Median household income is $51,888 in Milwaukee and $91,169 in Midland. Median household income is $39,281/year higher in Midland.
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 Midland?
It depends on your priorities. Milwaukee has a cost index of 67 with median rent of $1,033/mo, while Midland has a cost index of 99 with rent of $1,407/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Milwaukee details → View Midland details →

More Comparisons

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