Median rent is 33% lower in Milwaukee ($1,033/mo vs $1,536/mo). Buying is cheaper in Milwaukee, where the median home runs $172,000 versus $315,100. Households earn more in New Braunfels ($88,257 vs $51,888 a year). Taken together, New Braunfels is the more affordable choice with a cost index of 95.0 against 95.1 — about 0% lower overall prices. After adjusting income for local prices, a typical paycheck stretches further in New Braunfels, TX.
City A
Milwaukee, WI
City B
New Braunfels, TX
How much would you need to earn in New Braunfels, TX to maintain your standard of living from Milwaukee, WI?
Equivalent salary in New Braunfels, TX
$74,909
You could earn $91 less (0% 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
Milwaukee
Wisconsin
New Braunfels
Texas
👥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 $1,536/mo in New Braunfels, a 33% difference. Home buyers face a steeper market in New Braunfels: the median home is $315,100 versus $172,000 in Milwaukee — 45% 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 New Braunfels a clear advantage for high earners. Sales tax is 5.00% in Wisconsin and 6.25% in Texas; Milwaukee has the lower rate (local add-ons may apply in both).
Milwaukee
Income tax: 7.65%
Sales tax: 5.00%
New Braunfels
Income tax: None
Sales tax: 6.25%
Air quality data is available for Milwaukee (avg AQI 6.0) but not yet for New Braunfels.
Pick New Braunfels if you prioritize higher median household income ($88,257/yr).
Pick Milwaukee if you prioritize cheaper rent ($1,033/mo median).
Pick New Braunfels if you prioritize no state income tax.
Is Milwaukee cheaper than New Braunfels?
New Braunfels is cheaper overall, with a cost of living index of 95.0 versus 95.1 (US average = 100). That means prices run about 0% lower in New Braunfels.
How much is rent in Milwaukee vs New Braunfels?
Median rent is $1,033/mo in Milwaukee, WI and $1,536/mo in New Braunfels, TX. Milwaukee, WI has the lower rent by about 33%.
Which has higher salaries — Milwaukee or New Braunfels?
Median household income is $51,888 in Milwaukee, WI and $88,257 in New Braunfels, TX. New Braunfels, 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?
Air quality data is not yet available for one or both cities.
Which has lower taxes — Milwaukee or New Braunfels?
Texas has no state income tax. Wisconsin has a top rate of 7.65%.
What salary do I need in New Braunfels to match my Milwaukee income?
To maintain the same purchasing power, a salary of $100,000 in Milwaukee, WI is equivalent to roughly $99,878 in New Braunfels, TX (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