71
Overall Score /100
Wins 2 of 7 categories
72
Overall Score /100
Wins 2 of 7 categories
It's a tie 2–2
based on 7 categories of official U.S. government data
Milwaukee wins 2–2 overall (72/100)
💰 Milwaukee is more affordable
💼 Milwaukee has lower unemployment
🛡️ Milwaukee has fewer disasters
📋 Houston vs Milwaukee — The Verdict
It's a close call — Houston (71.2/100) and Milwaukee (72.8/100) each win 2 categories. On affordability, Milwaukee has a clear edge with home prices 33% lower. Milwaukee has a significantly tighter job market with unemployment at 3.1%. For safety-conscious movers, Milwaukee has a notably lower disaster history with 13 fewer declarations in 20 years. Milwaukee may be the better fit for budget-conscious movers and job seekers.
💡 Key Differences
🏠
Home prices in Milwaukee are 33% lower — a difference of $77,200 in median home value.
💰
Renting in Milwaukee saves you $253/month — that's $3,036 per year.
💵
Households in Houston earn $10,707 more per year (22% higher median income).
📊
Milwaukee has a 1.2 percentage point lower unemployment rate, suggesting a stronger job market.
🛡️
Milwaukee has experienced 13 fewer federally declared disasters in the last 20 years, indicating lower overall natural disaster risk.
Median Home Value
$235,000
$157,800
Median Rent /mo
$1,235
$982
Median Income
$60,440
$49,733
The affordability gap is significant — Milwaukee offers home prices 33% lower than Houston, translating to $77,200 in savings on a median-priced home. This difference alone could determine which city makes financial sense for your situation.
Unemployment Rate
4.3%
3.1%
Both cities offer competitive employment, with Milwaukee having a slight edge at 3.1% unemployment. Industry fit may matter more than the overall rate.
Air Quality (AQI)
12
14 Good
Toxic Facilities (TRI)
0
0
Environmental conditions are broadly similar between the two cities based on current EPA monitoring data.
Max Internet Speed
N/A Mbps
N/A Mbps
Fiber Available
❌ No
❌ No
Solar Potential (kWh/m²/day)
Internet and utility infrastructure data helps assess remote work viability and monthly overhead costs in each city.
Disasters (20 years)
21
8
Milwaukee has a markedly lower disaster history — 13 fewer federal declarations over 20 years. This can translate to lower insurance premiums and less disruption to daily life.
❓ Moving from Houston to Milwaukee: Common Questions
Is Houston or Milwaukee cheaper to live in?
Milwaukee is more affordable overall. Home prices are $77,200 lower in Milwaukee. Monthly rent is $982 in Milwaukee vs $1,235 in Houston.
Does Houston or Milwaukee have better weather?
Houston scores higher on climate (50/100 vs 40/100).
Is Houston or Milwaukee better for finding a job?
Milwaukee currently has a stronger job market. Unemployment is 4.3% in Houston vs 3.1% in Milwaukee. Median household income is $60,440 in Houston and $49,733 in Milwaukee.
Which city is safer — Houston or Milwaukee?
In terms of natural disaster risk, Milwaukee is safer. Houston has had 21 federal disaster declarations in 20 years vs 8 in Milwaukee. Houston scores 95/100 on safety vs 95/100 for Milwaukee.
Should I move from Houston to Milwaukee?
Based on our data, Milwaukee scores 72.8/100 vs Houston's 71.2/100 overall. The best choice depends on your priorities — Milwaukee is more affordable, while Houston has a better climate.
Planning to move from Houston to Milwaukee?
Compare quotes from top-rated moving companies and save up to 40%
Get Free Moving Quotes →
📊 Data: U.S. Census Bureau (ACS), Bureau of Labor Statistics (OEWS), NOAA Climate Normals,
EPA AirNow & TRI, NREL PVWatts, FEMA Disaster Declarations, FCC Broadband Data.
Last updated: April 4, 2026.