Median rent is 22% lower in Milwaukee ($1,059/mo vs $1,361/mo). Buying is cheaper in Milwaukee, where the median home runs $184,000 versus $277,800. Households earn more in Houston ($64,813 vs $54,234 a year). Taken together, Milwaukee is the more affordable choice with a cost index of 95.7 against 99.7 — about 4% lower overall prices. After adjusting income for local prices, a typical paycheck stretches further in Houston, TX.
Cost of living verdict
Milwaukee is 4% cheaper overall
Cost of Living Index: 95.7 in Milwaukee vs 99.7 in Houston (US national average = 100)
City A
Houston, TX
City B
Milwaukee, WI
How much would you need to earn in Milwaukee, WI to maintain your standard of living from Houston, TX?
Equivalent salary in Milwaukee, WI
$71,945
You could earn $3,055 less (4% lower) and break even.
Based on BEA Regional Price Parity (cost index) for each metro area. This estimates overall purchasing power; it does not account for taxes or take-home pay differences.
Metric
Houston
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: Census ACS, BEA, HUD Fair Market Rents, EPA AirNow, Tax Foundation
Renters will find significantly cheaper housing in Milwaukee — median rent of $1,059/mo versus $1,361/mo in Houston, a 22% difference. Home buyers face a steeper market in Houston: the median home is $277,800 versus $184,000 in Milwaukee — 34% more expensive.
1BR Fair Market Rent
2BR Fair Market Rent
BLS OEWS 2023 — metro-level data
State tax data is not yet available for these cities.
Houston
Income tax: N/A
Sales tax: N/A
Milwaukee
Income tax: N/A
Sales tax: N/A
Milwaukee has cleaner air on average: 22.0 AQI (Good) compared to 59.0 AQI (Moderate) in the other city. Lower AQI means cleaner, healthier air.
Pick Milwaukee if you prioritize lower overall cost of living (index 95.7 vs 99.7).
Pick Houston if you prioritize higher median household income ($64,813/yr).
Pick Milwaukee if you prioritize cheaper rent ($1,059/mo median).
Pick Milwaukee if you prioritize cleaner air quality (avg AQI 22.0).
Is Houston cheaper than Milwaukee?
Milwaukee is cheaper overall, with a cost of living index of 95.7 versus 99.7 (US average = 100). That means prices run about 4% lower in Milwaukee.
How much is rent in Houston vs Milwaukee?
Median rent is $1,361/mo in Houston, TX and $1,059/mo in Milwaukee, WI. Milwaukee, WI has the lower rent by about 22%.
Which has higher salaries — Houston or Milwaukee?
Median household income is $64,813 in Houston, TX and $54,234 in Milwaukee, WI. Houston, 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: 22.0 AQI versus 59.0 AQI. Both are EPA AirNow annual averages; lower is better.
Which has lower taxes — Houston or Milwaukee?
State tax data is not yet available for one or both cities.
What salary do I need in Milwaukee to match my Houston income?
To maintain the same purchasing power, a salary of $100,000 in Houston, TX is equivalent to roughly $95,927 in Milwaukee, WI (using the BEA Regional Price Parity ratio). Use the salary calculator above for any income amount.
Data last updated: December 1, 2026 · Sources: US Census ACS, BEA RPP, BLS OEWS, HUD FMR, EPA AirNow, Tax Foundation · Methodology
