Is Austin, TX cheaper than Milwaukee, WI?

Based on cost of living data, Austin, TX is 13.2% more expensive than Milwaukee, WI. This translates to spending an extra $989 per month.

What salary do I need in Austin, TX to live like I do in Milwaukee, WI?

If you earn $150,000 in Milwaukee, WI, you'd need approximately $161,868.132 in Austin, TX to maintain the same standard of living.

How does housing cost compare between Milwaukee, WI and Austin, TX?

Housing in Austin, TX is 50.0% more expensive than in Milwaukee, WI. For a two-bedroom apartment, rent is $1,995/month in Austin, TX compared to $1,235/month in Milwaukee, WI.

How much can I save per month by moving from Milwaukee, WI to Austin, TX?

Living in Austin, TX costs approximately $989 more per month than Milwaukee, WI, or $11868 more per year, based on a $150,000 salary.

Milwaukee, WI vs Austin, TX: Cost of Living Comparison 2026

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Cost of Living Comparison 2026

Current salary in Milwaukee, WI

Numbers update automatically as you type

You'd spend $989/month more in Austin, TX

$150.0K in your current city equals $161.9K in Austin, TX

Rent data from HUD ZIP-level estimates · COL index from Milwaukee-Waukesha, WI area

Overall Cost

↑ 13.2%

More expensive

Monthly Impact

$989

Extra cost

Annual Impact

$11.9K

Per year

Based on monthly living costs (rent, groceries, utilities, transport, healthcare). Home purchase prices shown separately below.

Milwaukee, WI

Population:577K

Cost Index:100

Median Home:$219K

Austin, TX

Population:979K

Cost Index:113

Median Home:$558K

Milwaukee, WI

The Badger State

577K

Population

State Tax

Yes

Located in Wisconsin, this city has a population of 577K residents.

Austin, TX

The Lone Star State

979K

Population

State Tax

No Income Tax

Climate

Humid subtropical

Notable Facts

•Live music capital
•Major tech hub
•SXSW festival city

Major Industries

TechnologyMusic IndustryEducationGovernment

Cost Breakdown by Category

Annual spending: Milwaukee, WI vs Austin, TX

Category	Milwaukee, WI	Austin, TX	Difference	Change
🏠Housing	$1,923/mo	$2,885/mo	↑ $962more	50.0%
📦Other	$1,607/mo	$1,741/mo	↑ $134more	8.3%
🏥Healthcare	$719/mo	$589/mo	↓ $130less	18.1%
🚗Transportation	$1,407/mo	$1,284/mo	↓ $123less	8.7%
⚡All Utilities	$508/mo	$541/mo	↑ $32.79more	6.5%
🛒Groceries	$959/mo	$959/mo	→ $0	0.0%

🏠Housing

↑ 50.0%

Milwaukee, WI

$1,923

Austin, TX

$2,885

Difference

$962

📦Other

↑ 8.3%

Milwaukee, WI

$1,607

Austin, TX

$1,741

Difference

$134

🏥Healthcare

↓ 18.1%

Milwaukee, WI

$719

Austin, TX

$589

Difference

$130

less

🚗Transportation

↓ 8.7%

Milwaukee, WI

$1,407

Austin, TX

$1,284

Difference

$123

less

⚡All Utilities

↑ 6.5%

Milwaukee, WI

$508

Austin, TX

$541

Difference

$32.79

🛒Groceries

→ 0.0%

Milwaukee, WI

$959

Austin, TX

$959

Difference

same

🏠Rent Comparison

Studio

From$945

To$1,585

↑ $640

1 Bed

From$1,035

To$1,685

↑ $650

2 Bed

From$1,235

To$1,995

↑ $760

3 Bed

From$1,520

To$2,525

↑ $1,005

Milwaukee, WIZIP-level data

1BR range: $960–$1,680/mo

Austin, TXZIP-level data

1BR range: $1,490–$2,350/mo

💡 Note: Rent prices are based on HUD Fair Market Rent data and represent median costs. Actual prices vary by neighborhood, amenities, and condition. Source: HUD Small Area Fair Market Rents FY2026.

$7,123

Monthly in Milwaukee, WI

$7,998

Monthly in Austin, TX

$875

Difference

Home Values

Milwaukee

Austin

$219K

Median Value

$558K

↑ +3.9%

YoY Change

↓ -5%

↑ +44.6%

5-Year Change

↑ +12.6%

$85K - $529K

Price Range

$272K - $1.26M

Homes in Austin are 155% more expensive than Milwaukee

Calculate payment - Milwaukee Calculate payment - Austin

Source: Zillow Home Value Index (ZHVI), January 2026

Tax Comparison

Annual tax burden comparison at $150.0K salary

Tax Savings

↑ $8.8K

Per year

Monthly Difference

$737

More take-home

Effective Rate Diff

5.9%

Rate difference

Milwaukee, WI

Federal Income Tax

Effective: 18.9%

$25.5K

Wisconsin State Tax

Effective: 5.9%

$8.8K

FICA Taxes

Social Security + Medicare

$11.5K

Total Taxes

Effective: 30.6%

$45.9K

Take-Home Pay

$8,678/month

$104.1K

Austin, TX

Federal Income Tax

Effective: 18.9%

$25.5K

Texas State Tax

No state income tax

FICA Taxes

Social Security + Medicare

$11.5K

Total Taxes

Effective: 24.7%

$37.0K

Take-Home Pay

$9,416/month

$113.0K

Additional Tax Information

Milwaukee, WI Tax Rates

Sales Tax:5.6%

Property Tax:1.8%

Austin, TX Tax Rates

Sales Tax:8.2%

Property Tax:1.8%

💡 Note: Tax calculations are estimates based on 2024/2025 tax brackets for single filers with standard deduction. Actual taxes may vary based on filing status, deductions, credits, and local variations.