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Cost of Living: Houston, 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.

3.1% Milwaukee, WI is cheaper overall
10.9% 10.9% cheaper housing
4.3% 4.3% more expensive groceries
Updated April 2026 · Data: Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Census Bureau National average = 100

At a Glance

🏠 Housing 10.9% cheaper
Houston
92
Milwaukee
82
🛒 Groceries 4.3% more
Houston
94
Milwaukee
98
🚗 Transportation ~Same
Houston
100
Milwaukee
100
🏥 Healthcare 3.2% more
Houston
95
Milwaukee
98
⚡ Utilities 5.7% cheaper
Houston
106
Milwaukee
100

Detailed Breakdown

Category Houston, TX Milwaukee, WI Difference
Overall Cost Index96933.1% less
Housing928210.9% less
Median 1BR Rent$1,200$1,05012.5% less
Median Home Price$295,000$175,00040.7% less
Groceries94984.3% more
Transportation100100~Same
Healthcare95983.2% more
Utilities1061005.7% less

Tax Comparison

Tax Type Houston, 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

Houston, TX
$67,000
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 Houston lifestyle.

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Based on overall cost index: Houston (96) vs Milwaukee (93). This is an estimate for comparison purposes.

Job Market Snapshot

Unemployment Rate
Houston4.5%
Milwaukee4.2%
Job Growth (YoY)
Houston3.1%
Milwaukee1.8%
Top Industries
HoustonEnergy, Healthcare, Aerospace
MilwaukeeManufacturing, Healthcare, Finance

Quality of Life

Avg Commute
Houston30 min
Milwaukee24 min
Walk Score
Houston33
Milwaukee62
Air Quality (AQI)
Houston52
Milwaukee40
Avg Temperature
Houston70°F
Milwaukee47°F
Population
Houston2,304,580
Milwaukee577,222

Moving from Houston to Milwaukee?

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Planning Your Move?

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

🏠 Find ApartmentsBrowse rentals in Houston 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 Houston 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 10.9%. Day-to-day expenses like groceries and transportation are closer between the two cities.
How much is rent in Houston vs Milwaukee?+
A typical one-bedroom apartment costs around $1,200/month in Houston and $1,050/month in Milwaukee — a difference of about $150 per month.
Which city has lower taxes, Houston 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 Houston to Milwaukee?+
Median household income in Houston is $67,000 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 Houston vs Milwaukee?+
The median home price in Houston is $295,000 versus $175,000 in Milwaukee — a difference of $120,000. Property tax rates also differ: Texas averages 1.60% while Wisconsin averages 1.51%.