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

Madison

Wisconsin
103
VS

Abilene

Texas
71

Madison is 45% more expensive than Abilene.

$1,364/mo ↑ 23%
Median Rent
$1,106/mo ↓ 19%
$76,983/yr ↑ 23%
Median Income
$62,720/yr ↓ 19%
$346,900 ↑ 94%
Home Value
$178,900 ↓ 48%
$1,476/mo ↑ 32%
Owner Costs
$1,114/mo ↓ 25%
275,568
Population
127,130

Tax Comparison

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

Affordability

21.3%
rent-to-income
Affordability
21.2%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Madison, WI and Abilene, TX, the overall cost of living indices are 103 and 71 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $258/month cheaper in Abilene, saving renters about $3,096/year.

Median household income is $14,263/year higher in Madison. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Madison is $346,900 compared to $178,900 in Abilene.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Madison vs Abilene — common questions

Is Madison or Abilene cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Abilene is cheaper to live in with an index of 71 compared to 103 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Madison and Abilene?
Median rent in Madison is $1,364/month and in Abilene it's $1,106/month — a difference of $258/month.
Which city has higher income, Madison or Abilene?
Median household income is $76,983 in Madison and $62,720 in Abilene. Median household income is $14,263/year higher in Madison.
How do taxes compare between Wisconsin and Texas?
Wisconsin has 7.65% income tax, 5.0% sales tax, and 1.61% property tax. Texas has 0% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 1.6% property tax.
Should I move to Madison or Abilene?
It depends on your priorities. Madison has a cost index of 103 with median rent of $1,364/mo, while Abilene has a cost index of 71 with rent of $1,106/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Madison details → View Abilene details →

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