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

Madison

Wisconsin
103
VS

Augusta

Georgia
67

Madison is 54% more expensive than Augusta.

$1,364/mo ↑ 25%
Median Rent
$1,087/mo ↓ 20%
$76,983/yr ↑ 45%
Median Income
$53,134/yr ↓ 31%
$346,900 ↑ 113%
Home Value
$162,900 ↓ 53%
$1,476/mo ↑ 40%
Owner Costs
$1,053/mo ↓ 29%
275,568
Population
201,504

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
24.5%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Madison, WI and Augusta, GA, the overall cost of living indices are 103 and 67 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $277/month cheaper in Augusta, saving renters about $3,324/year.

Median household income is $23,849/year higher in Madison. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Madison is $346,900 compared to $162,900 in Augusta.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Madison vs Augusta — common questions

Is Madison or Augusta cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Augusta is cheaper to live in with an index of 67 compared to 103 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Madison and Augusta?
Median rent in Madison is $1,364/month and in Augusta it's $1,087/month — a difference of $277/month.
Which city has higher income, Madison or Augusta?
Median household income is $76,983 in Madison and $53,134 in Augusta. Median household income is $23,849/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 Augusta?
It depends on your priorities. Madison has a cost index of 103 with median rent of $1,364/mo, while Augusta has a cost index of 67 with rent of $1,087/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Madison details → View Augusta details →

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