Cost of Living: Madison, WI vs Alexandria, VA (2026)

Madison

Wisconsin
103
VS

Alexandria

Virginia
173

Madison is 40% cheaper than Alexandria.

$1,364/mo ↓ 33%
Median Rent
$2,031/mo ↑ 49%
$76,983/yr ↓ 32%
Median Income
$113,638/yr ↑ 48%
$346,900 ↓ 50%
Home Value
$696,800 ↑ 101%
$1,476/mo ↓ 32%
Owner Costs
$2,173/mo ↑ 47%
275,568
Population
156,788

Tax Comparison

7.65%
Income Tax
5.75%
5.0%
State Sales Tax
5.3%
1.61%
Property Tax
0.8%

Affordability

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

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Madison, WI and Alexandria, VA, the overall cost of living indices are 103 and 173 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $667/month cheaper in Madison, saving renters about $8,004/year.

Median household income is $36,655/year higher in Alexandria. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Madison is $346,900 compared to $696,800 in Alexandria.

Virginia has a lower income tax rate, making Alexandria slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Madison vs Alexandria — common questions

Is Madison or Alexandria cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Madison is cheaper to live in with an index of 103 compared to 173 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Madison and Alexandria?
Median rent in Madison is $1,364/month and in Alexandria it's $2,031/month — a difference of $667/month.
Which city has higher income, Madison or Alexandria?
Median household income is $76,983 in Madison and $113,638 in Alexandria. Median household income is $36,655/year higher in Alexandria.
How do taxes compare between Wisconsin and Virginia?
Wisconsin has 7.65% income tax, 5.0% sales tax, and 1.61% property tax. Virginia has 5.75% income tax, 5.3% sales tax, and 0.8% property tax.
Should I move to Madison or Alexandria?
It depends on your priorities. Madison has a cost index of 103 with median rent of $1,364/mo, while Alexandria has a cost index of 173 with rent of $2,031/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Madison details → View Alexandria details →

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