Moving from Dallas to Milwaukee (2026)
Milwaukee has a COL index of 89 vs 99 for Dallas (100 = US average). You'd pay about 10% less for the same lifestyle.
Save ~$167/mo
on core expenses · $75K salary baseline
Key differences
COL index
9989
100 = US avg
1BR rent
$1,500$1,350
per month
State tax
None7.7%
income tax
Take-home at $75K
$4,741$4,259
per month
Salary needed in Milwaukee to match your Dallas lifestyle
Based on the 10% cost of living decrease between the two cities.
| Your salary in Dallas | Equivalent in Milwaukee |
|---|---|
| $40K | $35,960 |
| $50K | $44,949 |
| $60K | $53,939 |
| $75K | $67,424 |
| $80K | $71,919 |
| $100K | $89,899 |
| $120K | $107,879 |
| $150K | $134,848 |
Monthly budget at $75K — Dallas vs Milwaukee
| Expense | Dallas | Milwaukee |
|---|---|---|
| Monthly take-home | $4,741 | $4,259 |
| 1BR rent | $1,500 | $1,350 |
| Groceries | $361 | $372 |
| Transport | $96 | $72 |
| Utilities | $175 | $168 |
| Internet | $60 | $63 |
| Left after essentials | $2,549 | $2,234 |
Frequently asked questions
Is Milwaukee cheaper than Dallas?
Yes. Milwaukee has a cost of living index of 89 vs 99 for Dallas (100 = US average). That's about 10% cheaper.
How much will I save moving from Dallas to Milwaukee?
On a $75K salary, moving from Dallas to Milwaukee could save roughly $167/month on core expenses. That's ~$2,004/year.
What salary do I need in Milwaukee to match my Dallas lifestyle?
To maintain the same purchasing power as $75,000 in Dallas, you'd need roughly $67,424/year in Milwaukee. This is based on the overall COL index difference between the two cities.
Moving from Milwaukee to DallasDallas vs Milwaukee — full comparisonDallas cost of livingMilwaukee cost of living
Estimates based on Q1 2026 COL index and market data. Budget uses simplified federal/state tax rates at $75K. Zillow · BLS · Numbeo · For general guidance only