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Milwaukee vs Houston

Cost of living comparison — C2ER 2024-2025 data

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Houston is the same cost than Milwaukee overall.Milwaukee has a cost of living index of 95 vs Houston at 95 (national average = 100). The biggest difference is utilities Houston costs 6% less.

Pierre
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Milwaukee
WI
95
COLI index
VS
Houston
TX
95
COLI index

Category Breakdown

CategoryMilwaukeeHoustonDifference
Overall COLI9595Same
Housing105105Same
Groceries101103+2%
Transport104104Same
Healthcare101101Same
Utilities106112+6%

Median 1BR Rent

Milwaukee
$1,050/mo
Houston
$1,350/mo

Median Home Price

Milwaukee
$195,000
Houston
$265,000

Median Household Income

Milwaukee
$45,389
Houston
$56,019

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Frequently Asked Questions

Milwaukee is cheaper to live in overall. Milwaukee has a cost of living index of 95 while Houston has an index of 95, where 100 represents the US national average. Houston is 0% cheaper than Milwaukee overall.

The median 1-bedroom rent in Milwaukee is $1,050 per month compared to $1,350 in Houston. The median home price in Milwaukee is $195,000 versus $265,000 in Houston. Housing is typically the largest factor in cost of living differences between cities.

Milwaukee has a cost of living index of 95 and Houston has an index of 95, both measured against a US national average of 100. An index above 100 means more expensive than the national average — below 100 means cheaper.

To maintain the same purchasing power as a salary in Milwaukee, multiply by 1.00. For example a $75,000 salary in Milwaukee is equivalent to approximately $75,000 in Houston.

Milwaukee has a median household income of $45,389 per year versus $56,019 in Houston. Higher incomes must be weighed against cost of living. Use the Dayblip salary tools to see specific job salaries in both cities.

Whether moving from Milwaukee to Houston is worthwhile depends on your salary, lifestyle, and priorities. Houston is 0% cheaper overall — with the biggest difference in utilities. Use the Dayblip cost of living calculator to enter your specific salary and see the exact dollar impact.

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.