Cost of Living: Dallas, TX vs Madison, WI (2026)

Dallas

Texas
97
VS

Madison

Wisconsin
103

Dallas is 6% cheaper than Madison.

$1,403/mo ↑ 3%
Median Rent
$1,364/mo ↓ 3%
$67,760/yr ↓ 12%
Median Income
$76,983/yr ↑ 14%
$295,300 ↓ 15%
Home Value
$346,900 ↑ 17%
$1,409/mo ↓ 5%
Owner Costs
$1,476/mo ↑ 5%
1,299,553
Population
275,568

Tax Comparison

0%
Income Tax
7.65%
6.25%
State Sales Tax
5.0%
1.6%
Property Tax
1.61%

Affordability

24.8%
rent-to-income
Affordability
21.3%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Dallas, TX and Madison, WI, the overall cost of living indices are 97 and 103 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is comparable in both cities, with less than $50/month separating them.

Median household income is $9,223/year higher in Madison. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Dallas is $295,300 compared to $346,900 in Madison.

Texas has no state income tax, giving Dallas residents a significant tax advantage over Wisconsin's 7.65% rate.

Frequently Asked Questions

Dallas vs Madison — common questions

Is Dallas or Madison cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Dallas is cheaper to live in with an index of 97 compared to 103 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Dallas and Madison?
Median rent in Dallas is $1,403/month and in Madison it's $1,364/month — a difference of $39/month.
Which city has higher income, Dallas or Madison?
Median household income is $67,760 in Dallas and $76,983 in Madison. Median household income is $9,223/year higher in Madison.
How do taxes compare between Texas and Wisconsin?
Texas has 0% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 1.6% property tax. Wisconsin has 7.65% income tax, 5.0% sales tax, and 1.61% property tax.
Should I move to Dallas or Madison?
It depends on your priorities. Dallas has a cost index of 97 with median rent of $1,403/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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