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

Milwaukee

Wisconsin
67
VS

Plano

Texas
132

Milwaukee is 49% cheaper than Plano.

$1,033/mo ↓ 42%
Median Rent
$1,792/mo ↑ 73%
$51,888/yr ↓ 52%
Median Income
$108,649/yr ↑ 109%
$172,000 ↓ 61%
Home Value
$440,600 ↑ 156%
$1,082/mo ↓ 41%
Owner Costs
$1,829/mo ↑ 69%
569,756
Population
287,339

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
19.8%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Milwaukee, WI and Plano, TX, the overall cost of living indices are 67 and 132 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $759/month cheaper in Milwaukee, saving renters about $9,108/year.

Median household income is $56,761/year higher in Plano. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Milwaukee is $172,000 compared to $440,600 in Plano.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Milwaukee vs Plano — common questions

Is Milwaukee or Plano cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Milwaukee is cheaper to live in with an index of 67 compared to 132 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Milwaukee and Plano?
Median rent in Milwaukee is $1,033/month and in Plano it's $1,792/month — a difference of $759/month.
Which city has higher income, Milwaukee or Plano?
Median household income is $51,888 in Milwaukee and $108,649 in Plano. Median household income is $56,761/year higher in Plano.
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 Plano?
It depends on your priorities. Milwaukee has a cost index of 67 with median rent of $1,033/mo, while Plano has a cost index of 132 with rent of $1,792/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Milwaukee details → View Plano details →

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