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

Madison

Wisconsin
103
VS

Allen

Texas
137

Madison is 25% cheaper than Allen.

$1,364/mo ↓ 27%
Median Rent
$1,877/mo ↑ 38%
$76,983/yr ↓ 40%
Median Income
$129,130/yr ↑ 68%
$346,900 ↓ 19%
Home Value
$429,900 ↑ 24%
$1,476/mo ↓ 29%
Owner Costs
$2,083/mo ↑ 41%
275,568
Population
107,684

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
17.4%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Madison, WI and Allen, TX, the overall cost of living indices are 103 and 137 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $513/month cheaper in Madison, saving renters about $6,156/year.

Median household income is $52,147/year higher in Allen. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Madison is $346,900 compared to $429,900 in Allen.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Madison vs Allen — common questions

Is Madison or Allen cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Madison is cheaper to live in with an index of 103 compared to 137 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Madison and Allen?
Median rent in Madison is $1,364/month and in Allen it's $1,877/month — a difference of $513/month.
Which city has higher income, Madison or Allen?
Median household income is $76,983 in Madison and $129,130 in Allen. Median household income is $52,147/year higher in Allen.
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 Allen?
It depends on your priorities. Madison has a cost index of 103 with median rent of $1,364/mo, while Allen has a cost index of 137 with rent of $1,877/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Madison details → View Allen details →

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