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

Fort Worth

Texas
97
VS

Madison

Wisconsin
103

Fort Worth is 6% cheaper than Madison.

$1,412/mo ↑ 4%
Median Rent
$1,364/mo ↓ 3%
$76,602/yr ≈ Same
Median Income
$76,983/yr ≈ Same
$277,300 ↓ 20%
Home Value
$346,900 ↑ 25%
$1,489/mo ≈ Same
Owner Costs
$1,476/mo ≈ Same
941,311
Population
275,568

Tax Comparison

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

Affordability

22.1%
rent-to-income
Affordability
21.3%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Fort Worth, 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 $381/year higher in Madison. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Fort Worth is $277,300 compared to $346,900 in Madison.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Fort Worth vs Madison — common questions

Is Fort Worth or Madison cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Fort Worth is cheaper to live in with an index of 97 compared to 103 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Fort Worth and Madison?
Median rent in Fort Worth is $1,412/month and in Madison it's $1,364/month — a difference of $48/month.
Which city has higher income, Fort Worth or Madison?
Median household income is $76,602 in Fort Worth and $76,983 in Madison. Median household income is $381/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 Fort Worth or Madison?
It depends on your priorities. Fort Worth has a cost index of 97 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.
View Fort Worth details → View Madison details →

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