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

Madison

Wisconsin
103
VS

Arlington

Virginia
203

Madison is 49% cheaper than Arlington.

$1,364/mo ↓ 40%
Median Rent
$2,275/mo ↑ 67%
$76,983/yr ↓ 45%
Median Income
$140,160/yr ↑ 82%
$346,900 ↓ 60%
Home Value
$864,800 ↑ 149%
$1,476/mo ↓ 39%
Owner Costs
$2,414/mo ↑ 64%
275,568
Population
235,463

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
19.5%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Madison, WI and Arlington, VA, the overall cost of living indices are 103 and 203 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $911/month cheaper in Madison, saving renters about $10,932/year.

Median household income is $63,177/year higher in Arlington. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Madison is $346,900 compared to $864,800 in Arlington.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Madison vs Arlington — common questions

Is Madison or Arlington cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Madison is cheaper to live in with an index of 103 compared to 203 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Madison and Arlington?
Median rent in Madison is $1,364/month and in Arlington it's $2,275/month — a difference of $911/month.
Which city has higher income, Madison or Arlington?
Median household income is $76,983 in Madison and $140,160 in Arlington. Median household income is $63,177/year higher in Arlington.
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 Arlington?
It depends on your priorities. Madison has a cost index of 103 with median rent of $1,364/mo, while Arlington has a cost index of 203 with rent of $2,275/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
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