Cost of Living: Jacksonville, FL vs Madison, WI (2026)

Jacksonville

Florida
92
VS

Madison

Wisconsin
103

Jacksonville is 11% cheaper than Madison.

$1,375/mo ≈ Same
Median Rent
$1,364/mo ≈ Same
$66,981/yr ↓ 13%
Median Income
$76,983/yr ↑ 15%
$266,100 ↓ 23%
Home Value
$346,900 ↑ 30%
$1,324/mo ↓ 10%
Owner Costs
$1,476/mo ↑ 11%
961,739
Population
275,568

Tax Comparison

0%
Income Tax
7.65%
6.0%
State Sales Tax
5.0%
0.86%
Property Tax
1.61%

Affordability

24.6%
rent-to-income
Affordability
21.3%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Jacksonville, FL and Madison, WI, the overall cost of living indices are 92 and 103 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is comparable in both cities, with less than $50/month separating them.

Median household income is $10,002/year higher in Madison. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Jacksonville is $266,100 compared to $346,900 in Madison.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Jacksonville vs Madison — common questions

Is Jacksonville or Madison cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Jacksonville is cheaper to live in with an index of 92 compared to 103 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Jacksonville and Madison?
Median rent in Jacksonville is $1,375/month and in Madison it's $1,364/month — a difference of $11/month.
Which city has higher income, Jacksonville or Madison?
Median household income is $66,981 in Jacksonville and $76,983 in Madison. Median household income is $10,002/year higher in Madison.
How do taxes compare between Florida and Wisconsin?
Florida has 0% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 0.86% property tax. Wisconsin has 7.65% income tax, 5.0% sales tax, and 1.61% property tax.
Should I move to Jacksonville or Madison?
It depends on your priorities. Jacksonville has a cost index of 92 with median rent of $1,375/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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