Cost of Living: Detroit, MI vs Madison, WI (2026)

Detroit

Michigan
53
VS

Madison

Wisconsin
103

Detroit is 49% cheaper than Madison.

$1,034/mo ↓ 24%
Median Rent
$1,364/mo ↑ 32%
$39,575/yr ↓ 49%
Median Income
$76,983/yr ↑ 95%
$76,800 ↓ 78%
Home Value
$346,900 ↑ 352%
$868/mo ↓ 41%
Owner Costs
$1,476/mo ↑ 70%
636,644
Population
275,568

Tax Comparison

4.25%
Income Tax
7.65%
6.0%
State Sales Tax
5.0%
1.38%
Property Tax
1.61%

Affordability

31.4%
rent-to-income
Affordability
21.3%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Detroit, MI and Madison, WI, the overall cost of living indices are 53 and 103 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $330/month cheaper in Detroit, saving renters about $3,960/year.

Median household income is $37,408/year higher in Madison. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Detroit is $76,800 compared to $346,900 in Madison.

Michigan has a lower income tax rate, making Detroit slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Detroit vs Madison — common questions

Is Detroit or Madison cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Detroit is cheaper to live in with an index of 53 compared to 103 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Detroit and Madison?
Median rent in Detroit is $1,034/month and in Madison it's $1,364/month — a difference of $330/month.
Which city has higher income, Detroit or Madison?
Median household income is $39,575 in Detroit and $76,983 in Madison. Median household income is $37,408/year higher in Madison.
How do taxes compare between Michigan and Wisconsin?
Michigan has 4.25% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 1.38% property tax. Wisconsin has 7.65% income tax, 5.0% sales tax, and 1.61% property tax.
Should I move to Detroit or Madison?
It depends on your priorities. Detroit has a cost index of 53 with median rent of $1,034/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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