Home › Compare › Fort Worth, TX vs Milwaukee, WI

Cost of Living: Fort Worth, 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.

2.1% Milwaukee, WI is cheaper overall
8.9% 8.9% cheaper housing
3.2% 3.2% more expensive groceries
Updated April 2026 · Data: Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Census Bureau National average = 100

At a Glance

🏠 Housing 8.9% cheaper
Fort Worth
90
Milwaukee
82
🛒 Groceries 3.2% more
Fort Worth
95
Milwaukee
98
🚗 Transportation ~Same
Fort Worth
98
Milwaukee
100
🏥 Healthcare 2.1% more
Fort Worth
96
Milwaukee
98
⚡ Utilities 2.9% cheaper
Fort Worth
103
Milwaukee
100

Detailed Breakdown

Category Fort Worth, TX Milwaukee, WI Difference
Overall Cost Index95932.1% less
Housing90828.9% less
Median 1BR Rent$1,250$1,05016.0% less
Median Home Price$300,000$175,00041.7% less
Groceries95983.2% more
Transportation98100~Same
Healthcare96982.1% more
Utilities1031002.9% less

Tax Comparison

Tax Type Fort Worth, 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

Fort Worth, TX
$68,000
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 Fort Worth lifestyle.

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Based on overall cost index: Fort Worth (95) vs Milwaukee (93). This is an estimate for comparison purposes.

Job Market Snapshot

Unemployment Rate
Fort Worth3.9%
Milwaukee4.2%
Job Growth (YoY)
Fort Worth3.0%
Milwaukee1.8%
Top Industries
Fort WorthAerospace, Logistics, Manufacturing
MilwaukeeManufacturing, Healthcare, Finance

Quality of Life

Avg Commute
Fort Worth27 min
Milwaukee24 min
Walk Score
Fort Worth32
Milwaukee62
Air Quality (AQI)
Fort Worth47
Milwaukee40
Avg Temperature
Fort Worth65°F
Milwaukee47°F
Population
Fort Worth978,468
Milwaukee577,222

Moving from Fort Worth to Milwaukee?

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Planning Your Move?

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

🏠 Find ApartmentsBrowse rentals in Fort Worth 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 Fort Worth 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 8.9%. Day-to-day expenses like groceries and transportation are closer between the two cities.
How much is rent in Fort Worth vs Milwaukee?+
A typical one-bedroom apartment costs around $1,250/month in Fort Worth and $1,050/month in Milwaukee — a difference of about $200 per month.
Which city has lower taxes, Fort Worth 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 Fort Worth to Milwaukee?+
Median household income in Fort Worth is $68,000 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 Fort Worth vs Milwaukee?+
The median home price in Fort Worth is $300,000 versus $175,000 in Milwaukee — a difference of $125,000. Property tax rates also differ: Texas averages 1.60% while Wisconsin averages 1.51%.