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

Madison

Wisconsin
103
VS

Amarillo

Texas
69

Madison is 49% more expensive than Amarillo.

$1,364/mo ↑ 30%
Median Rent
$1,049/mo ↓ 23%
$76,983/yr ↑ 23%
Median Income
$62,469/yr ↓ 19%
$346,900 ↑ 86%
Home Value
$186,800 ↓ 46%
$1,476/mo ↑ 37%
Owner Costs
$1,074/mo ↓ 27%
275,568
Population
200,945

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
20.2%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Madison, WI and Amarillo, TX, the overall cost of living indices are 103 and 69 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $315/month cheaper in Amarillo, saving renters about $3,780/year.

Median household income is $14,514/year higher in Madison. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Madison is $346,900 compared to $186,800 in Amarillo.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Madison vs Amarillo — common questions

Is Madison or Amarillo cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Amarillo is cheaper to live in with an index of 69 compared to 103 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Madison and Amarillo?
Median rent in Madison is $1,364/month and in Amarillo it's $1,049/month — a difference of $315/month.
Which city has higher income, Madison or Amarillo?
Median household income is $76,983 in Madison and $62,469 in Amarillo. Median household income is $14,514/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 Amarillo?
It depends on your priorities. Madison has a cost index of 103 with median rent of $1,364/mo, while Amarillo has a cost index of 69 with rent of $1,049/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
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