Cost of Living: Chandler, AZ vs Madison, WI (2026)

Chandler

Arizona
134
VS

Madison

Wisconsin
103

Chandler is 31% more expensive than Madison.

$1,806/mo ↑ 32%
Median Rent
$1,364/mo ↓ 24%
$103,691/yr ↑ 35%
Median Income
$76,983/yr ↓ 26%
$469,800 ↑ 35%
Home Value
$346,900 ↓ 26%
$1,743/mo ↑ 18%
Owner Costs
$1,476/mo ↓ 15%
278,123
Population
275,568

Tax Comparison

2.5%
Income Tax
7.65%
5.6%
Sales Tax
5.0%
0.62%
Property Tax
1.61%

Affordability

20.9%
rent-to-income
Affordability
21.3%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Chandler, AZ and Madison, WI, the overall cost of living indices are 134 and 103 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $442/month cheaper in Madison, saving renters about $5,304/year.

Median household income is $26,708/year higher in Chandler. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Chandler is $469,800 compared to $346,900 in Madison.

Arizona has a lower income tax rate, making Chandler slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Chandler vs Madison — common questions

Is Chandler 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 Chandler and Madison?
Median rent in Chandler is $1,806/month and in Madison it's $1,364/month — a difference of $442/month.
Which city has higher income, Chandler or Madison?
Median household income is $103,691 in Chandler and $76,983 in Madison. Median household income is $26,708/year higher in Chandler.
How do taxes compare between Arizona and Wisconsin?
Arizona has 2.5% income tax, 5.6% sales tax, and 0.62% property tax. Wisconsin has 7.65% income tax, 5.0% sales tax, and 1.61% property tax.
Should I move to Chandler or Madison?
It depends on your priorities. Chandler has a cost index of 134 with median rent of $1,806/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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