Cost of Living: Charlotte, NC vs Madison, WI (2026)

Charlotte

North Carolina
108
VS

Madison

Wisconsin
103

Charlotte is 5% more expensive than Madison.

$1,504/mo ↑ 10%
Median Rent
$1,364/mo ↓ 9%
$78,438/yr ↑ 2%
Median Income
$76,983/yr ↓ 2%
$351,500 ↑ 1%
Home Value
$346,900 ↓ 1%
$1,487/mo ≈ Same
Owner Costs
$1,476/mo ≈ Same
886,283
Population
275,568

Tax Comparison

4.5%
Income Tax
7.65%
4.75%
State Sales Tax
5.0%
0.8%
Property Tax
1.61%

Affordability

23.0%
rent-to-income
Affordability
21.3%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Charlotte, NC and Madison, WI, the overall cost of living indices are 108 and 103 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $140/month cheaper in Madison, saving renters about $1,680/year.

Median household income is $1,455/year higher in Charlotte. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Charlotte is $351,500 compared to $346,900 in Madison.

North Carolina has a lower income tax rate, making Charlotte slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Charlotte vs Madison — common questions

Is Charlotte or Madison cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Madison is cheaper to live in with an index of 103 compared to 108 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Charlotte and Madison?
Median rent in Charlotte is $1,504/month and in Madison it's $1,364/month — a difference of $140/month.
Which city has higher income, Charlotte or Madison?
Median household income is $78,438 in Charlotte and $76,983 in Madison. Median household income is $1,455/year higher in Charlotte.
How do taxes compare between North Carolina and Wisconsin?
North Carolina has 4.5% income tax, 4.75% sales tax, and 0.8% property tax. Wisconsin has 7.65% income tax, 5.0% sales tax, and 1.61% property tax.
Should I move to Charlotte or Madison?
It depends on your priorities. Charlotte has a cost index of 108 with median rent of $1,504/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 Charlotte details → View Madison details →

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