Cost of Living: Arlington, TX vs Madison, WI (2026)

Arlington

Texas
95
VS

Madison

Wisconsin
103

Arlington is 8% cheaper than Madison.

$1,389/mo ↑ 2%
Median Rent
$1,364/mo ↓ 2%
$73,519/yr ↓ 4%
Median Income
$76,983/yr ↑ 5%
$276,400 ↓ 20%
Home Value
$346,900 ↑ 26%
$1,420/mo ↓ 4%
Owner Costs
$1,476/mo ↑ 4%
394,769
Population
275,568

Tax Comparison

0%
Income Tax
7.65%
6.25%
State Sales Tax
5.0%
1.6%
Property Tax
1.61%

Affordability

22.7%
rent-to-income
Affordability
21.3%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Arlington, TX and Madison, WI, the overall cost of living indices are 95 and 103 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is comparable in both cities, with less than $50/month separating them.

Median household income is $3,464/year higher in Madison. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Arlington is $276,400 compared to $346,900 in Madison.

Texas has no state income tax, giving Arlington residents a significant tax advantage over Wisconsin's 7.65% rate.

Frequently Asked Questions

Arlington vs Madison — common questions

Is Arlington or Madison cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Arlington is cheaper to live in with an index of 95 compared to 103 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Arlington and Madison?
Median rent in Arlington is $1,389/month and in Madison it's $1,364/month — a difference of $25/month.
Which city has higher income, Arlington or Madison?
Median household income is $73,519 in Arlington and $76,983 in Madison. Median household income is $3,464/year higher in Madison.
How do taxes compare between Texas and Wisconsin?
Texas has 0% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 1.6% property tax. Wisconsin has 7.65% income tax, 5.0% sales tax, and 1.61% property tax.
Should I move to Arlington or Madison?
It depends on your priorities. Arlington has a cost index of 95 with median rent of $1,389/mo, while Madison has a cost index of 103 with rent of $1,364/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Arlington details → View Madison details →

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