Cost of Living: Boston, MA vs Madison, WI (2026)

Boston

Massachusetts
176
VS

Madison

Wisconsin
103

Boston is 71% more expensive than Madison.

$2,093/mo ↑ 53%
Median Rent
$1,364/mo ↓ 35%
$94,755/yr ↑ 23%
Median Income
$76,983/yr ↓ 19%
$710,400 ↑ 105%
Home Value
$346,900 ↓ 51%
$2,176/mo ↑ 47%
Owner Costs
$1,476/mo ↓ 32%
663,972
Population
275,568

Tax Comparison

9.0%
Income Tax
7.65%
6.25%
State Sales Tax
5.0%
1.15%
Property Tax
1.61%

Affordability

26.5%
rent-to-income
Affordability
21.3%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Boston, MA and Madison, WI, the overall cost of living indices are 176 and 103 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $729/month cheaper in Madison, saving renters about $8,748/year.

Median household income is $17,772/year higher in Boston. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Boston is $710,400 compared to $346,900 in Madison.

Wisconsin has a lower income tax rate, making Madison slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Boston vs Madison — common questions

Is Boston or Madison cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Madison is cheaper to live in with an index of 103 compared to 176 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Boston and Madison?
Median rent in Boston is $2,093/month and in Madison it's $1,364/month — a difference of $729/month.
Which city has higher income, Boston or Madison?
Median household income is $94,755 in Boston and $76,983 in Madison. Median household income is $17,772/year higher in Boston.
How do taxes compare between Massachusetts and Wisconsin?
Massachusetts has 9.0% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 1.15% property tax. Wisconsin has 7.65% income tax, 5.0% sales tax, and 1.61% property tax.
Should I move to Boston or Madison?
It depends on your priorities. Boston has a cost index of 176 with median rent of $2,093/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.
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