Cost of Living: Madison, WI vs Bellevue, WA (2026)

Madison

Wisconsin
103
VS

Bellevue

Washington
250

Madison is 59% cheaper than Bellevue.

$1,364/mo ↓ 46%
Median Rent
$2,505/mo ↑ 84%
$76,983/yr ↓ 52%
Median Income
$161,300/yr ↑ 110%
$346,900 ↓ 71%
Home Value
$1,203,100 ↑ 247%
$1,476/mo ↓ 43%
Owner Costs
$2,586/mo ↑ 75%
275,568
Population
151,199

Tax Comparison

7.65%
Income Tax
0%
5.0%
State Sales Tax
6.5%
1.61%
Property Tax
0.92%

Affordability

21.3%
rent-to-income
Affordability
18.6%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Madison, WI and Bellevue, WA, the overall cost of living indices are 103 and 250 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $1,141/month cheaper in Madison, saving renters about $13,692/year.

Median household income is $84,317/year higher in Bellevue. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Madison is $346,900 compared to $1,203,100 in Bellevue.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Madison vs Bellevue — common questions

Is Madison or Bellevue cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Madison is cheaper to live in with an index of 103 compared to 250 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Madison and Bellevue?
Median rent in Madison is $1,364/month and in Bellevue it's $2,505/month — a difference of $1,141/month.
Which city has higher income, Madison or Bellevue?
Median household income is $76,983 in Madison and $161,300 in Bellevue. Median household income is $84,317/year higher in Bellevue.
How do taxes compare between Wisconsin and Washington?
Wisconsin has 7.65% income tax, 5.0% sales tax, and 1.61% property tax. Washington has 0% income tax, 6.5% sales tax, and 0.92% property tax.
Should I move to Madison or Bellevue?
It depends on your priorities. Madison has a cost index of 103 with median rent of $1,364/mo, while Bellevue has a cost index of 250 with rent of $2,505/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Madison details → View Bellevue details →

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