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Cost of Living: Austin, TX vs Milwaukee, WI

A data-driven comparison of housing, groceries, transportation, taxes, job market and more. See which city gives you more for your money.

9.7% Milwaukee, WI is cheaper overall
30.5% 30.5% cheaper housing
2.1% 2.1% more expensive groceries
Updated April 2026 · Data: Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Census Bureau National average = 100

At a Glance

🏠 Housing 30.5% cheaper
Austin
118
Milwaukee
82
🛒 Groceries 2.1% more
Austin
96
Milwaukee
98
🚗 Transportation ~Same
Austin
98
Milwaukee
100
🏥 Healthcare ~Same
Austin
97
Milwaukee
98
⚡ Utilities ~Same
Austin
99
Milwaukee
100

Detailed Breakdown

Category Austin, TX Milwaukee, WI Difference
Overall Cost Index103939.7% less
Housing1188230.5% less
Median 1BR Rent$1,450$1,05027.6% less
Median Home Price$425,000$175,00058.8% less
Groceries96982.1% more
Transportation98100~Same
Healthcare9798~Same
Utilities99100~Same

Tax Comparison

Tax Type Austin, TX Milwaukee, WI
State Income TaxNone (0%)7.65% (top)
State Sales Tax6.25%5.00%
Avg Property Tax Rate1.60%1.51%
Estate / Inheritance TaxNoneNone

What You'd Need to Earn

Austin, TX
$85,000
Median household income
Milwaukee, WI
$55,000
Median household income
⚠️ Heads up: Milwaukee costs more but median income is lower. You may need to earn more to maintain the same standard of living.

Salary Equivalent Calculator

Find out what you'd need to earn in Milwaukee to maintain your Austin lifestyle.

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Based on overall cost index: Austin (103) vs Milwaukee (93). This is an estimate for comparison purposes.

Job Market Snapshot

Unemployment Rate
Austin3.2%
Milwaukee4.2%
Job Growth (YoY)
Austin4.1%
Milwaukee1.8%
Top Industries
AustinTech, Government, Healthcare
MilwaukeeManufacturing, Healthcare, Finance

Quality of Life

Avg Commute
Austin28 min
Milwaukee24 min
Walk Score
Austin41
Milwaukee62
Air Quality (AQI)
Austin38
Milwaukee40
Avg Temperature
Austin68°F
Milwaukee47°F
Population
Austin979,882
Milwaukee577,222

Moving from Austin to Milwaukee?

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Planning Your Move?

Here are some helpful resources if you're considering relocating.

🏠 Find ApartmentsBrowse rentals in Austin and Milwaukee → 🚚 Get Moving QuotesCompare prices from top movers → 📈 Check Home ValuesSee real estate trends in both cities → 💼 Search JobsFind open positions in Milwaukee →

Compare Other Cities

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Frequently Asked Questions

Is Austin or Milwaukee cheaper to live in?+
Milwaukee is the more affordable option overall. The biggest difference is in housing costs, where the gap is about 30.5%. Day-to-day expenses like groceries and transportation are closer between the two cities.
How much is rent in Austin vs Milwaukee?+
A typical one-bedroom apartment costs around $1,450/month in Austin and $1,050/month in Milwaukee — a difference of about $400 per month.
Which city has lower taxes, Austin or Milwaukee?+
Texas has a state income tax of None (0%) and sales tax of 6.25%. Wisconsin has a state income tax of 7.65% (top) and sales tax of 5.00%. Consider all tax types together when evaluating total tax burden, as states with no income tax often compensate with higher sales or property taxes.
Can I afford to move from Austin to Milwaukee?+
Median household income in Austin is $85,000 compared to $55,000 in Milwaukee. Use the salary calculator above to see what you'd need to earn to maintain your current standard of living.
What about buying a home in Austin vs Milwaukee?+
The median home price in Austin is $425,000 versus $175,000 in Milwaukee — a difference of $250,000. Property tax rates also differ: Texas averages 1.60% while Wisconsin averages 1.51%.