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

Denver

Colorado
147
VS

Madison

Wisconsin
103

Denver is 43% more expensive than Madison.

$1,770/mo ↑ 30%
Median Rent
$1,364/mo ↓ 23%
$91,681/yr ↑ 19%
Median Income
$76,983/yr ↓ 16%
$586,700 ↑ 69%
Home Value
$346,900 ↓ 41%
$1,839/mo ↑ 25%
Owner Costs
$1,476/mo ↓ 20%
713,734
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

23.2%
rent-to-income
Affordability
21.3%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Denver, CO and Madison, WI, the overall cost of living indices are 147 and 103 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $406/month cheaper in Madison, saving renters about $4,872/year.

Median household income is $14,698/year higher in Denver. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Denver is $586,700 compared to $346,900 in Madison.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Denver vs Madison — common questions

Is Denver or Madison cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Madison is cheaper to live in with an index of 103 compared to 147 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Denver and Madison?
Median rent in Denver is $1,770/month and in Madison it's $1,364/month — a difference of $406/month.
Which city has higher income, Denver or Madison?
Median household income is $91,681 in Denver and $76,983 in Madison. Median household income is $14,698/year higher in Denver.
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 Denver or Madison?
It depends on your priorities. Denver has a cost index of 147 with median rent of $1,770/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 Denver details → View Madison details →

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