Cost of Living: Madison, WI vs Arvada, CO (2026)

Madison

Wisconsin
103
VS

Arvada

Colorado
152

Madison is 32% cheaper than Arvada.

$1,364/mo ↓ 24%
Median Rent
$1,802/mo ↑ 32%
$76,983/yr ↓ 32%
Median Income
$113,396/yr ↑ 47%
$346,900 ↓ 42%
Home Value
$600,800 ↑ 73%
$1,476/mo ↓ 24%
Owner Costs
$1,948/mo ↑ 32%
275,568
Population
122,835

Tax Comparison

7.65%
Income Tax
4.4%
5.0%
State Sales Tax
2.9%
1.61%
Property Tax
0.51%

Affordability

21.3%
rent-to-income
Affordability
19.1%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Madison, WI and Arvada, CO, the overall cost of living indices are 103 and 152 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $438/month cheaper in Madison, saving renters about $5,256/year.

Median household income is $36,413/year higher in Arvada. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Madison is $346,900 compared to $600,800 in Arvada.

Colorado has a lower income tax rate, making Arvada slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Madison vs Arvada — common questions

Is Madison or Arvada cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Madison is cheaper to live in with an index of 103 compared to 152 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Madison and Arvada?
Median rent in Madison is $1,364/month and in Arvada it's $1,802/month — a difference of $438/month.
Which city has higher income, Madison or Arvada?
Median household income is $76,983 in Madison and $113,396 in Arvada. Median household income is $36,413/year higher in Arvada.
How do taxes compare between Wisconsin and Colorado?
Wisconsin has 7.65% income tax, 5.0% sales tax, and 1.61% property tax. Colorado has 4.4% income tax, 2.9% sales tax, and 0.51% property tax.
Should I move to Madison or Arvada?
It depends on your priorities. Madison has a cost index of 103 with median rent of $1,364/mo, while Arvada has a cost index of 152 with rent of $1,802/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
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