Cost of Living: Milwaukee vs Dallas (2026)
Milwaukee has a 10% lower overall cost of living than Dallas as of Q1 2026. A one-bedroom apartment runs $1,350/mo in Milwaukee vs $1,500/mo in Dallas — a 10% difference. Dallas has no state income tax, giving residents more take-home pay than those in Milwaukee (7.7% rate).
- Milwaukee is 10% cheaper overall (COL index: 89 vs 99)
- 1BR rent: $1,350/mo in Milwaukee vs $1,500/mo — 10% savings
- Dallas has 0% state income tax — saves ~$3,300+/yr at a $75K salary
- Higher median household income: Dallas ($60,000/yr vs $56,000/yr)
- Median home price: $260,000 in Milwaukee vs $330,000 — 21% difference
| Category | Milwaukee Wisconsin | Dallas Texas |
|---|---|---|
| 🏠 HousingQ1 2026 | ||
| Studio rent/mo | $1,100Best | $1,200 |
| 1BR rent/mo | $1,350Best | $1,500 |
| 2BR rent/mo | $1,800Best | $2,000 |
| Median home price | $260KBest | $330K |
| 🛒 Food & GroceriesQ1 2026 | ||
| Groceries index (100 = US avg) | 98 | 95Best |
| Budget meal (1 person) | $13Best | $13 |
| Mid-range dinner (2) | $54Best | $55 |
| 🚌 TransportationQ1 2026 | ||
| Monthly transit pass/mo | $72Best | $96 |
| Gas price/gal | $3.20 | $3.05Best |
| Car insurance/mo | $148Best | $180 |
| ⚡ UtilitiesQ1 2026 | ||
| Monthly utilities bundle/mo | $168Best | $175 |
| Internet/mo | $63 | $60Best |
| 💰 Income & TaxesQ1 2026 | ||
| Median household income/yr | $56K | $60KBest |
| State income tax% | 7.7% | 0.0%Best |
| Sales tax (combined)% | 5.4%Best | 8.3% |
| 🎬 LeisureQ1 2026 | ||
| Movie ticket | $14.00Best | $15.00 |
| Gym membership/mo | $38Best | $38 |
| Beer at restaurant | $6.00Best | $6.00 |
| 📊 OverviewQ1 2026 | ||
| Overall COL index (100 = US avg) | 89Best | 99 |
| Walk score / 100 | 62Best | 46 |
Frequently asked questions
Is Milwaukee cheaper than Dallas?
Yes. Milwaukee is 10% cheaper than Dallas based on overall cost of living indices (89 vs 99, where 100 = US average).
What is the average rent in Milwaukee vs Dallas?
As of Q1 2026, the median 1-bedroom rent in Milwaukee is $1,350/month and in Dallas is $1,500/month. Milwaukee is cheaper by 10%.
How much do I need to earn in Dallas to match a $75,000 salary in Milwaukee?
To maintain a similar lifestyle, you would need approximately $83,427/year in Dallas to match a $75,000 salary in Milwaukee. This estimate is based on overall cost of living indices and does not account for individual spending patterns.
Which city has lower taxes — Milwaukee or Dallas?
Dallas has the lower state income tax rate at 0% vs 7.7%. Dallas has no state income tax at all, which can save thousands of dollars per year depending on your income. Note that sales tax and local taxes also vary — see the full breakdown in the table above.
Is it worth moving from Milwaukee to Dallas?
It depends on your priorities. Milwaukee offers lower overall costs and tax advantages, but both cities have different job markets, weather, and lifestyle trade-offs. Use the comparison table above to evaluate rent, groceries, transportation, and income potential side by side based on your specific budget.
Data sourced from Zillow, BLS, Numbeo, Tax Foundation, and US Census ACS · Updated Q1 2026 · For general guidance only
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