City vs city
Houston, TX vs Milwaukee, WI
- Rent is 29% lower in Milwaukee (median $1,059/mo vs $1,361/mo in Houston).
- Homes cost 51% less in Milwaukee ($184k vs $278k median value).
- On a $75k salary, you'd have about $86 more a month after taxes and rent in Milwaukee.
- Houston has no state income tax on wages; Milwaukee does.
- Schools rate higher in Houston (3.4/10 vs 1.2/10).
- Houston has less violent crime (8.9 vs 11.5 per 1,000 residents; the US rate is 3.6).
- Houston has milder winters (55°F vs 24°F average).
- Houston gets more sun (204 vs 189 sunny days a year).
| Houston | Milwaukee | |
|---|---|---|
| Median rent | $1,361/mo | $1,059/mo |
| Median home value | $278k | $184k |
| Median household income | $65k | $54k |
| Left each month on $75k (after taxes and rent) | $3,772 | $3,858 |
| State income tax on wages | None | Yes |
| School rating | 3.4/10 | 1.2/10 |
| Violent crime | 2.5× the US rate | 3.2× the US rate |
| Summer average | 94°F | 82°F |
| Winter average | 55°F | 24°F |
| Sunny days a year | 204 | 189 |
| Walk score | 49 | 62 |
| Population | 2,328,253 | 566,973 |
Population, income, home value and rent: U.S. Census Bureau ACS. Taxes: single filer, 2026 federal and state rates, before any city income tax. Violent crime per 1,000 residents; US rate 3.6.
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