Cost of Living: Madison, WI vs Athens, GA (2026)

Madison

Wisconsin
103
VS

Athens

Georgia
83

Madison is 24% more expensive than Athens.

$1,364/mo ↑ 17%
Median Rent
$1,162/mo ↓ 15%
$76,983/yr ↑ 49%
Median Income
$51,655/yr ↓ 33%
$346,900 ↑ 28%
Home Value
$271,800 ↓ 22%
$1,476/mo ↑ 27%
Owner Costs
$1,163/mo ↓ 21%
275,568
Population
126,987

Tax Comparison

7.65%
Income Tax
5.49%
5.0%
State Sales Tax
4.0%
1.61%
Property Tax
0.92%

Affordability

21.3%
rent-to-income
Affordability
27.0%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Madison, WI and Athens, GA, the overall cost of living indices are 103 and 83 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $202/month cheaper in Athens, saving renters about $2,424/year.

Median household income is $25,328/year higher in Madison. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Madison is $346,900 compared to $271,800 in Athens.

Georgia has a lower income tax rate, making Athens slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Madison vs Athens — common questions

Is Madison or Athens cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Athens is cheaper to live in with an index of 83 compared to 103 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Madison and Athens?
Median rent in Madison is $1,364/month and in Athens it's $1,162/month — a difference of $202/month.
Which city has higher income, Madison or Athens?
Median household income is $76,983 in Madison and $51,655 in Athens. Median household income is $25,328/year higher in Madison.
How do taxes compare between Wisconsin and Georgia?
Wisconsin has 7.65% income tax, 5.0% sales tax, and 1.61% property tax. Georgia has 5.49% income tax, 4.0% sales tax, and 0.92% property tax.
Should I move to Madison or Athens?
It depends on your priorities. Madison has a cost index of 103 with median rent of $1,364/mo, while Athens has a cost index of 83 with rent of $1,162/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Madison details → View Athens details →

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