Aurora, CO vs Madison, WI: 130 vs 103

$1,759/mo ↑ 29%

Median Rent

$1,364/mo ↓ 22%

$84,320/yr ↑ 10%

Median Income

$76,983/yr ↓ 9%

$444,500 ↑ 28%

Home Value

$346,900 ↓ 22%

$1,762/mo ↑ 19%

Owner Costs

$1,476/mo ↓ 16%

390,201

Population

275,568

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Aurora, CO and Madison, WI, the overall cost of living indices are 130 and 103 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $395/month cheaper in Madison, saving renters about $4,740/year.

Median household income is $7,337/year higher in Aurora. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Aurora is $444,500 compared to $346,900 in Madison.

Colorado has a lower income tax rate, making Aurora slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Aurora vs Madison — common questions

Is Aurora or Madison cheaper to live in?

Based on our cost index, Madison is cheaper to live in with an index of 103 compared to 130 (US average = 100).

What is the rent difference between Aurora and Madison?

Median rent in Aurora is $1,759/month and in Madison it's $1,364/month — a difference of $395/month.

Which city has higher income, Aurora or Madison?

Median household income is $84,320 in Aurora and $76,983 in Madison. Median household income is $7,337/year higher in Aurora.

How do taxes compare between Colorado and Wisconsin?

Colorado has 4.4% income tax, 2.9% sales tax, and 0.51% property tax. Wisconsin has 7.65% income tax, 5.0% sales tax, and 1.61% property tax.

Should I move to Aurora or Madison?

It depends on your priorities. Aurora has a cost index of 130 with median rent of $1,759/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.

Cost of Living: Aurora, CO vs Madison, WI (2026)

Aurora

Madison

Tax Comparison

Affordability

Detailed Comparison

Frequently Asked Questions

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