Cost of Living: Durham, NC vs Madison, WI (2026)

Durham

North Carolina
105
VS

Madison

Wisconsin
103

Durham and Madison have a similar cost of living.

$1,412/mo ↑ 4%
Median Rent
$1,364/mo ↓ 3%
$79,234/yr ↑ 3%
Median Income
$76,983/yr ↓ 3%
$355,300 ↑ 2%
Home Value
$346,900 ↓ 2%
$1,434/mo ↓ 3%
Owner Costs
$1,476/mo ↑ 3%
288,465
Population
275,568

Tax Comparison

4.5%
Income Tax
7.65%
4.75%
State Sales Tax
5.0%
0.8%
Property Tax
1.61%

Affordability

21.4%
rent-to-income
Affordability
21.3%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Durham, NC and Madison, WI, the overall cost of living indices are 105 and 103 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is comparable in both cities, with less than $50/month separating them.

Median household income is $2,251/year higher in Durham. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Durham is $355,300 compared to $346,900 in Madison.

North Carolina has a lower income tax rate, making Durham slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Durham vs Madison — common questions

Is Durham or Madison cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Madison is cheaper to live in with an index of 103 compared to 105 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Durham and Madison?
Median rent in Durham is $1,412/month and in Madison it's $1,364/month — a difference of $48/month.
Which city has higher income, Durham or Madison?
Median household income is $79,234 in Durham and $76,983 in Madison. Median household income is $2,251/year higher in Durham.
How do taxes compare between North Carolina and Wisconsin?
North Carolina has 4.5% income tax, 4.75% sales tax, and 0.8% property tax. Wisconsin has 7.65% income tax, 5.0% sales tax, and 1.61% property tax.
Should I move to Durham or Madison?
It depends on your priorities. Durham has a cost index of 105 with median rent of $1,412/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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