Cost of Living: Atlanta, GA vs Madison, WI (2026)

Atlanta

Georgia
122
VS

Madison

Wisconsin
103

Atlanta is 18% more expensive than Madison.

$1,617/mo ↑ 19%
Median Rent
$1,364/mo ↓ 16%
$81,938/yr ↑ 6%
Median Income
$76,983/yr ↓ 6%
$420,600 ↑ 21%
Home Value
$346,900 ↓ 18%
$1,695/mo ↑ 15%
Owner Costs
$1,476/mo ↓ 13%
499,287
Population
275,568

Tax Comparison

5.49%
Income Tax
7.65%
4.0%
State Sales Tax
5.0%
0.92%
Property Tax
1.61%

Affordability

23.7%
rent-to-income
Affordability
21.3%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Atlanta, GA and Madison, WI, the overall cost of living indices are 122 and 103 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $253/month cheaper in Madison, saving renters about $3,036/year.

Median household income is $4,955/year higher in Atlanta. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Atlanta is $420,600 compared to $346,900 in Madison.

Georgia has a lower income tax rate, making Atlanta slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Atlanta vs Madison — common questions

Is Atlanta or Madison cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Madison is cheaper to live in with an index of 103 compared to 122 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Atlanta and Madison?
Median rent in Atlanta is $1,617/month and in Madison it's $1,364/month — a difference of $253/month.
Which city has higher income, Atlanta or Madison?
Median household income is $81,938 in Atlanta and $76,983 in Madison. Median household income is $4,955/year higher in Atlanta.
How do taxes compare between Georgia and Wisconsin?
Georgia has 5.49% income tax, 4.0% sales tax, and 0.92% property tax. Wisconsin has 7.65% income tax, 5.0% sales tax, and 1.61% property tax.
Should I move to Atlanta or Madison?
It depends on your priorities. Atlanta has a cost index of 122 with median rent of $1,617/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 Atlanta details → View Madison details →

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