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

Austin

Texas
134
VS

Madison

Wisconsin
103

Austin is 30% more expensive than Madison.

$1,655/mo ↑ 21%
Median Rent
$1,364/mo ↓ 18%
$91,461/yr ↑ 19%
Median Income
$76,983/yr ↓ 16%
$512,700 ↑ 48%
Home Value
$346,900 ↓ 32%
$1,747/mo ↑ 18%
Owner Costs
$1,476/mo ↓ 16%
967,862
Population
275,568

Tax Comparison

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

Affordability

21.7%
rent-to-income
Affordability
21.3%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Austin, TX and Madison, WI, the overall cost of living indices are 134 and 103 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $291/month cheaper in Madison, saving renters about $3,492/year.

Median household income is $14,478/year higher in Austin. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Austin is $512,700 compared to $346,900 in Madison.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Austin vs Madison — common questions

Is Austin or Madison cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Madison is cheaper to live in with an index of 103 compared to 134 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Austin and Madison?
Median rent in Austin is $1,655/month and in Madison it's $1,364/month — a difference of $291/month.
Which city has higher income, Austin or Madison?
Median household income is $91,461 in Austin and $76,983 in Madison. Median household income is $14,478/year higher in Austin.
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 Austin or Madison?
It depends on your priorities. Austin has a cost index of 134 with median rent of $1,655/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 Austin details → View Madison details →

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