Milwaukee vs Austin
Cost of living comparison — C2ER 2024-2025 data
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Austin is 25% more expensive than Milwaukee overall.Milwaukee has a cost of living index of 95 vs Austin at 119 (national average = 100). The biggest difference is housing — Austin costs 60% less.

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Milwaukee
WI
95
COLI index
VS
Austin
TX
119
COLI index
Category Breakdown
| Category | Milwaukee | Austin | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Overall COLI | 95 | 119 | +25% |
| Housing | 105 | 168 | +60% |
| Groceries | 101 | 106 | +5% |
| Transport | 104 | 108 | +4% |
| Healthcare | 101 | 103 | +2% |
| Utilities | 106 | 110 | +4% |
Median 1BR Rent
Milwaukee
$1,050/mo
Austin
$1,800/mo
Median Home Price
Milwaukee
$195,000
Austin
$510,000
Median Household Income
Milwaukee
$45,389
Austin
$80,954
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Last updated: June 2026
Methodology: Cost of living indices from C2ER Cost of Living Index 2024-2025. Rent data from Zillow December 2024. Home price data from Zillow Home Value Index December 2024. Household income from US Census Bureau ACS 2023. National average COLI = 100. Data updated annually.