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

Milwaukee

Wisconsin
67
VS

Odessa

Texas
83

Milwaukee is 19% cheaper than Odessa.

$1,033/mo ↓ 22%
Median Rent
$1,322/mo ↑ 28%
$51,888/yr ↓ 29%
Median Income
$73,030/yr ↑ 41%
$172,000 ↓ 17%
Home Value
$208,000 ↑ 21%
$1,082/mo ↓ 14%
Owner Costs
$1,251/mo ↑ 16%
569,756
Population
114,080

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
21.7%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Milwaukee, WI and Odessa, TX, the overall cost of living indices are 67 and 83 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $289/month cheaper in Milwaukee, saving renters about $3,468/year.

Median household income is $21,142/year higher in Odessa. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Milwaukee is $172,000 compared to $208,000 in Odessa.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Milwaukee vs Odessa — common questions

Is Milwaukee or Odessa cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Milwaukee is cheaper to live in with an index of 67 compared to 83 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Milwaukee and Odessa?
Median rent in Milwaukee is $1,033/month and in Odessa it's $1,322/month — a difference of $289/month.
Which city has higher income, Milwaukee or Odessa?
Median household income is $51,888 in Milwaukee and $73,030 in Odessa. Median household income is $21,142/year higher in Odessa.
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 Odessa?
It depends on your priorities. Milwaukee has a cost index of 67 with median rent of $1,033/mo, while Odessa has a cost index of 83 with rent of $1,322/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
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More Comparisons

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