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

Milwaukee

Wisconsin
67
VS

Pasadena

Texas
76

Milwaukee is 12% cheaper than Pasadena.

$1,033/mo ↓ 14%
Median Rent
$1,201/mo ↑ 16%
$51,888/yr ↓ 19%
Median Income
$64,270/yr ↑ 24%
$172,000 ↓ 11%
Home Value
$193,600 ↑ 13%
$1,082/mo ↓ 5%
Owner Costs
$1,141/mo ↑ 5%
569,756
Population
149,345

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
22.4%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Milwaukee, WI and Pasadena, TX, the overall cost of living indices are 67 and 76 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $168/month cheaper in Milwaukee, saving renters about $2,016/year.

Median household income is $12,382/year higher in Pasadena. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Milwaukee is $172,000 compared to $193,600 in Pasadena.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Milwaukee vs Pasadena — common questions

Is Milwaukee or Pasadena cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Milwaukee is cheaper to live in with an index of 67 compared to 76 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Milwaukee and Pasadena?
Median rent in Milwaukee is $1,033/month and in Pasadena it's $1,201/month — a difference of $168/month.
Which city has higher income, Milwaukee or Pasadena?
Median household income is $51,888 in Milwaukee and $64,270 in Pasadena. Median household income is $12,382/year higher in Pasadena.
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 Pasadena?
It depends on your priorities. Milwaukee has a cost index of 67 with median rent of $1,033/mo, while Pasadena has a cost index of 76 with rent of $1,201/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Milwaukee details → View Pasadena details →

More Comparisons

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