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

Houston

Texas
88
VS

Madison

Wisconsin
103

Houston is 15% cheaper than Madison.

$1,313/mo ↓ 4%
Median Rent
$1,364/mo ↑ 4%
$62,894/yr ↓ 18%
Median Income
$76,983/yr ↑ 22%
$253,400 ↓ 27%
Home Value
$346,900 ↑ 37%
$1,316/mo ↓ 11%
Owner Costs
$1,476/mo ↑ 12%
2,300,419
Population
275,568

Tax Comparison

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

Affordability

25.1%
rent-to-income
Affordability
21.3%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Houston, TX and Madison, WI, the overall cost of living indices are 88 and 103 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $51/month cheaper in Houston, saving renters about $612/year.

Median household income is $14,089/year higher in Madison. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Houston is $253,400 compared to $346,900 in Madison.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Houston vs Madison — common questions

Is Houston or Madison cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Houston is cheaper to live in with an index of 88 compared to 103 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Houston and Madison?
Median rent in Houston is $1,313/month and in Madison it's $1,364/month — a difference of $51/month.
Which city has higher income, Houston or Madison?
Median household income is $62,894 in Houston and $76,983 in Madison. Median household income is $14,089/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 Houston or Madison?
It depends on your priorities. Houston has a cost index of 88 with median rent of $1,313/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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