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Cost of Living: Dallas, 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.

8.8% Milwaukee, WI is cheaper overall
24.1% 24.1% cheaper housing
1.0% 1.0% more expensive groceries
Updated April 2026 · Data: Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Census Bureau National average = 100

At a Glance

🏠 Housing 24.1% cheaper
Dallas
108
Milwaukee
82
🛒 Groceries ~Same
Dallas
97
Milwaukee
98
🚗 Transportation ~Same
Dallas
101
Milwaukee
100
🏥 Healthcare ~Same
Dallas
98
Milwaukee
98
⚡ Utilities 3.8% cheaper
Dallas
104
Milwaukee
100

Detailed Breakdown

Category Dallas, TX Milwaukee, WI Difference
Overall Cost Index102938.8% less
Housing1088224.1% less
Median 1BR Rent$1,400$1,05025.0% less
Median Home Price$340,000$175,00048.5% less
Groceries9798~Same
Transportation101100~Same
Healthcare9898~Same
Utilities1041003.8% less

Tax Comparison

Tax Type Dallas, 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

Dallas, TX
$72,000
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 Dallas lifestyle.

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Based on overall cost index: Dallas (102) vs Milwaukee (93). This is an estimate for comparison purposes.

Job Market Snapshot

Unemployment Rate
Dallas3.8%
Milwaukee4.2%
Job Growth (YoY)
Dallas3.4%
Milwaukee1.8%
Top Industries
DallasTech, Finance, Telecom
MilwaukeeManufacturing, Healthcare, Finance

Quality of Life

Avg Commute
Dallas28 min
Milwaukee24 min
Walk Score
Dallas46
Milwaukee62
Air Quality (AQI)
Dallas48
Milwaukee40
Avg Temperature
Dallas66°F
Milwaukee47°F
Population
Dallas1,288,457
Milwaukee577,222

Moving from Dallas to Milwaukee?

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Planning Your Move?

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

🏠 Find ApartmentsBrowse rentals in Dallas 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 Dallas 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 24.1%. Day-to-day expenses like groceries and transportation are closer between the two cities.
How much is rent in Dallas vs Milwaukee?+
A typical one-bedroom apartment costs around $1,400/month in Dallas and $1,050/month in Milwaukee — a difference of about $350 per month.
Which city has lower taxes, Dallas 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 Dallas to Milwaukee?+
Median household income in Dallas is $72,000 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 Dallas vs Milwaukee?+
The median home price in Dallas is $340,000 versus $175,000 in Milwaukee — a difference of $165,000. Property tax rates also differ: Texas averages 1.60% while Wisconsin averages 1.51%.