Median rent is 38% lower in Milwaukee ($1,033/mo vs $1,655/mo). Buying is cheaper in Milwaukee, where the median home runs $172,000 versus $512,700. Households earn more in Austin ($91,461 vs $51,888 a year). Taken together, Milwaukee is the more affordable choice with a cost index of 95.1 against 98.8 — about 4% lower overall prices. After adjusting income for local prices, a typical paycheck stretches further in Austin, TX.
Quick verdict
Milwaukee is 4% cheaper overall
Cost index: 95.1 in Milwaukee vs 98.8 in Austin (US average = 100)
City A
Austin, TX
City B
Milwaukee, WI
How much would you need to earn in Milwaukee, WI to maintain your standard of living from Austin, TX?
Equivalent salary in Milwaukee, WI
$72,201
You could earn $2,799 less (4% lower) and break even.
Based on BEA Regional Price Parity (cost index) for each city's metro area. A rough estimate of overall purchasing power, not tax or take-home pay.
Metric
Austin
Texas
Milwaukee
Wisconsin
👥Population
💰Median Household Income
Annual
🏠Median Gross Rent
Per month
🏡Median Home Value
📊Cost of Living Index
US avg = 100
🔑1BR Fair Market Rent
HUD FMR
🔑2BR Fair Market Rent
HUD FMR
🔑3BR Fair Market Rent
HUD FMR
🌬️Air Quality Index
Lower = cleaner
🏛️Top State Income Tax
Top marginal rate
🧾State Sales Tax
Statewide base rate
🎂Median Age
Years
✓ = better value · Sources: US Census ACS, BEA RPP, HUD FMR, EPA AirNow, Tax Foundation
Renters will find significantly cheaper housing in Milwaukee — median rent of $1,033/mo versus $1,655/mo in Austin, a 38% difference. Home buyers face a steeper market in Austin: the median home is $512,700 versus $172,000 in Milwaukee — 66% more expensive.
1BR Fair Market Rent
2BR Fair Market Rent
BLS OEWS 2023 — metro-level data
Texas has no state income tax, while Wisconsin tops out at 7.65% — giving Austin a clear advantage for high earners. Sales tax is 6.25% in Texas and 5.00% in Wisconsin; Milwaukee has the lower rate (local add-ons may apply in both).
Austin
Income tax: None
Sales tax: 6.25%
Milwaukee
Income tax: 7.65%
Sales tax: 5.00%
Milwaukee has cleaner air on average: 6.0 AQI (Good) compared to 47.0 AQI (Good) in the other city. Lower AQI means cleaner, healthier air.
Pick Milwaukee if you prioritize lower overall cost of living (index 95.1 vs 98.8).
Pick Austin if you prioritize higher median household income ($91,461/yr).
Pick Milwaukee if you prioritize cheaper rent ($1,033/mo median).
Pick Milwaukee if you prioritize cleaner air quality (avg AQI 6.0).
Is Austin cheaper than Milwaukee?
Milwaukee is cheaper overall, with a cost of living index of 95.1 versus 98.8 (US average = 100). That means prices run about 4% lower in Milwaukee.
How much is rent in Austin vs Milwaukee?
Median rent is $1,655/mo in Austin, TX and $1,033/mo in Milwaukee, WI. Milwaukee, WI has the lower rent by about 38%.
Which has higher salaries — Austin or Milwaukee?
Median household income is $91,461 in Austin, TX and $51,888 in Milwaukee, WI. Austin, TX has the higher median income. Note that BLS occupational wages in the table above show wages for specific jobs.
Which city has better air quality?
Milwaukee, WI has better air quality on average: 6.0 AQI versus 47.0 AQI. Both are EPA AirNow annual averages; lower is better.
Which has lower taxes — Austin or Milwaukee?
Texas has no state income tax. Wisconsin has a top rate of 7.65%.
What salary do I need in Milwaukee to match my Austin income?
To maintain the same purchasing power, a salary of $100,000 in Austin, TX is equivalent to roughly $96,268 in Milwaukee, WI (using the BEA Regional Price Parity ratio). Use the salary calculator above for any income amount.
Data last updated: December 1, 2024 · Sources: US Census ACS, BEA RPP, BLS OEWS, HUD FMR, EPA AirNow, Tax Foundation · Methodology