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

Milwaukee

Wisconsin
67
VS

The Woodlands

Texas
139

Milwaukee is 52% cheaper than The Woodlands.

$1,033/mo ↓ 42%
Median Rent
$1,792/mo ↑ 73%
$51,888/yr ↓ 63%
Median Income
$141,353/yr ↑ 172%
$172,000 ↓ 64%
Home Value
$479,400 ↑ 179%
$1,082/mo ↓ 46%
Owner Costs
$2,005/mo ↑ 85%
569,756
Population
116,916

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
15.2%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Milwaukee, WI and The Woodlands, TX, the overall cost of living indices are 67 and 139 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $759/month cheaper in Milwaukee, saving renters about $9,108/year.

Median household income is $89,465/year higher in The Woodlands. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Milwaukee is $172,000 compared to $479,400 in The Woodlands.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Milwaukee vs The Woodlands — common questions

Is Milwaukee or The Woodlands cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Milwaukee is cheaper to live in with an index of 67 compared to 139 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Milwaukee and The Woodlands?
Median rent in Milwaukee is $1,033/month and in The Woodlands it's $1,792/month — a difference of $759/month.
Which city has higher income, Milwaukee or The Woodlands?
Median household income is $51,888 in Milwaukee and $141,353 in The Woodlands. Median household income is $89,465/year higher in The Woodlands.
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 The Woodlands?
It depends on your priorities. Milwaukee has a cost index of 67 with median rent of $1,033/mo, while The Woodlands has a cost index of 139 with rent of $1,792/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
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