Is Dallas, TX cheaper than Milwaukee, WI?

Based on cost of living data, Dallas, TX is 11.0% more expensive than Milwaukee, WI. This translates to spending an extra $824 per month.

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

If you earn $150,000 in Milwaukee, WI, you'd need approximately $159,890.11 in Dallas, TX to maintain the same standard of living.

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

Housing in Dallas, TX is 24.3% more expensive than in Milwaukee, WI. For a two-bedroom apartment, rent is $1,765/month in Dallas, TX compared to $1,235/month in Milwaukee, WI.

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

Living in Dallas, TX costs approximately $824 more per month than Milwaukee, WI, or $9890 more per year, based on a $150,000 salary.

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

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Cost of Living Comparison 2026

Data: HUD rent estimates, BLS cost of living

Current salary in Milwaukee, WI

Numbers update automatically as you type

You'd spend $824/month more in Dallas, TX

$150.0K in your current city equals $159.9K in Dallas, TX

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

Overall Cost

↑ 11.0%

More expensive

Monthly Impact

$824

Extra cost

Annual Impact

$9.9K

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

100 = national average

Median Home:$219K

Dallas, TX

Population:1304K

Cost Index:

111

(11% above avg)

Median Home:$292K

Milwaukee, WI

The Badger State

577K

Population

State Tax

Yes

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

Dallas, TX

The Lone Star State

1.3M

Population

State Tax

No Income Tax

Climate

Humid subtropical

Notable Facts

•Major business center
•No state income tax
•Big Tex home

Major Industries

TechnologyFinanceEnergyTransportation

Cost Breakdown by Category

Annual spending: Milwaukee, WI vs Dallas, TX

Category	Milwaukee, WI	Dallas, TX	Difference	Change
Housing	$1,923/mo	$2,391/mo	↑ $468more	24.3%
Other	$1,607/mo	$1,774/mo	↑ $167more	10.4%
Transportation	$1,407/mo	$1,298/mo	↓ $109less	7.8%
Healthcare	$719/mo	$632/mo	↓ $86.74less	12.1%
All Utilities	$508/mo	$563/mo	↑ $54.64more	10.8%
Groceries	$959/mo	$979/mo	↑ $19.99more	2.1%

Housing

↑ 24.3%

Milwaukee, WI

$1,923

Dallas, TX

$2,391

Difference

$468

Other

↑ 10.4%

Milwaukee, WI

$1,607

Dallas, TX

$1,774

Difference

$167

Transportation

↓ 7.8%

Milwaukee, WI

$1,407

Dallas, TX

$1,298

Difference

$109

less

Healthcare

↓ 12.1%

Milwaukee, WI

$719

Dallas, TX

$632

Difference

$86.74

less

All Utilities

↑ 10.8%

Milwaukee, WI

$508

Dallas, TX

$563

Difference

$54.64

Groceries

↑ 2.1%

Milwaukee, WI

$959

Dallas, TX

$979

Difference

$19.99

🏠Rent Comparison

Studio

From$945

To$1,450

↑ $505

1 Bed

From$1,035

To$1,505

↑ $470

2 Bed

From$1,235

To$1,765

↑ $530

3 Bed

From$1,520

To$2,220

↑ $700

Milwaukee, WIZIP-level data

1BR range: $960–$1,680/mo

Dallas, TXZIP-level data

1BR range: $1,040–$2,470/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

$7,637

Monthly in Dallas, TX

$514

Difference

Home Values

Milwaukee

Dallas

$219K

Median Value

$292K

↑ +3.9%

YoY Change

↓ -3.1%

↑ +44.6%

5-Year Change

↑ +27.1%

$85K - $529K

Price Range

$138K - $2.01M

Homes in Dallas are 34% more expensive than Milwaukee

Calculate payment - Milwaukee Calculate payment - Dallas

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

Dallas, 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%

Dallas, 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.