Cost of Living: Columbus, OH vs Madison, WI (2026)

Columbus

Ohio
83
VS

Madison

Wisconsin
103

Columbus is 19% cheaper than Madison.

$1,224/mo ↓ 10%
Median Rent
$1,364/mo ↑ 11%
$65,327/yr ↓ 15%
Median Income
$76,983/yr ↑ 18%
$234,500 ↓ 32%
Home Value
$346,900 ↑ 48%
$1,243/mo ↓ 16%
Owner Costs
$1,476/mo ↑ 19%
906,480
Population
275,568

Tax Comparison

3.5%
Income Tax
7.65%
5.75%
State Sales Tax
5.0%
1.53%
Property Tax
1.61%

Affordability

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

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Columbus, OH and Madison, WI, the overall cost of living indices are 83 and 103 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $140/month cheaper in Columbus, saving renters about $1,680/year.

Median household income is $11,656/year higher in Madison. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Columbus is $234,500 compared to $346,900 in Madison.

Ohio has a lower income tax rate, making Columbus slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Columbus vs Madison — common questions

Is Columbus or Madison cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Columbus is cheaper to live in with an index of 83 compared to 103 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Columbus and Madison?
Median rent in Columbus is $1,224/month and in Madison it's $1,364/month — a difference of $140/month.
Which city has higher income, Columbus or Madison?
Median household income is $65,327 in Columbus and $76,983 in Madison. Median household income is $11,656/year higher in Madison.
How do taxes compare between Ohio and Wisconsin?
Ohio has 3.5% income tax, 5.75% sales tax, and 1.53% property tax. Wisconsin has 7.65% income tax, 5.0% sales tax, and 1.61% property tax.
Should I move to Columbus or Madison?
It depends on your priorities. Columbus has a cost index of 83 with median rent of $1,224/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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