Is Dallas, TX or Milwaukee, WI cheaper on a $120,000 salary?

Dallas, TX leaves you more: $7,531/yr. On $120,000, Dallas, TX leaves $72,079/yr in pocket (state tax $0, housing $18,341) vs Milwaukee, WI's $64,548 (state tax $6,360, housing $19,512).

The gap is driven mostly by state income tax (Texas: 0% vs Wisconsin: 5.30%) and housing.

WhereCanIAfford › Take-home › Dallas, TX vs Milwaukee, WI

Dallas, TX vs Milwaukee, WI: cost of living on $120,000

Dallas, TX +$7,531/yr On $120,000, Dallas, TX leaves $72,079/yr in pocket vs Milwaukee, WI's $64,548 — after state income tax and housing.

Where the money goes

On $120,000	Dallas, TX	Milwaukee, WI
Federal + FICA (est.)	$29,580	$29,580
State income tax	$0 (0%)	$6,360 (5.30%)
After-tax income	$90,420	$84,060
− Housing/yr (Zillow)	$18,341	$19,512
Real money in pocket	$72,079	$64,548

Verified 2026-06-23 · State tax: Tax Foundation, “State Individual Income Tax Rates and Brackets, 2025” + state revenue departments. Modeled as an effective planning rate for a typical $80k–$160k filer — not a full bracket engine. · Housing from Zillow ZHVI 2026-05.

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FAQ

Is Dallas, TX or Milwaukee, WI cheaper?: On $120,000, Dallas, TX — by $7,531/yr in real take-home.
What's the biggest driver?: State income tax (Texas 0% vs Wisconsin 5.30%) and housing cost.

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