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

Colorado Springs

Colorado
119
VS

Madison

Wisconsin
103

Colorado Springs is 16% more expensive than Madison.

$1,562/mo ↑ 15%
Median Rent
$1,364/mo ↓ 13%
$83,198/yr ↑ 8%
Median Income
$76,983/yr ↓ 7%
$420,700 ↑ 21%
Home Value
$346,900 ↓ 18%
$1,592/mo ↑ 8%
Owner Costs
$1,476/mo ↓ 7%
483,099
Population
275,568

Tax Comparison

4.4%
Income Tax
7.65%
2.9%
State Sales Tax
5.0%
0.51%
Property Tax
1.61%

Affordability

22.5%
rent-to-income
Affordability
21.3%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Colorado Springs, CO and Madison, WI, the overall cost of living indices are 119 and 103 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $198/month cheaper in Madison, saving renters about $2,376/year.

Median household income is $6,215/year higher in Colorado Springs. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Colorado Springs is $420,700 compared to $346,900 in Madison.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Colorado Springs vs Madison — common questions

Is Colorado Springs or Madison cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Madison is cheaper to live in with an index of 103 compared to 119 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Colorado Springs and Madison?
Median rent in Colorado Springs is $1,562/month and in Madison it's $1,364/month — a difference of $198/month.
Which city has higher income, Colorado Springs or Madison?
Median household income is $83,198 in Colorado Springs and $76,983 in Madison. Median household income is $6,215/year higher in Colorado Springs.
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 Colorado Springs or Madison?
It depends on your priorities. Colorado Springs has a cost index of 119 with median rent of $1,562/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 Colorado Springs details → View Madison details →

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