Cost of Living: Madison, WI vs Brandon, FL (2026)

Madison

Wisconsin
103
VS

Brandon

Florida
108

Madison is 5% cheaper than Brandon.

$1,364/mo ↓ 19%
Median Rent
$1,691/mo ↑ 24%
$76,983/yr ≈ Same
Median Income
$77,068/yr ≈ Same
$346,900 ↑ 18%
Home Value
$293,800 ↓ 15%
$1,476/mo ↓ 5%
Owner Costs
$1,546/mo ↑ 5%
275,568
Population
116,365

Tax Comparison

7.65%
Income Tax
0%
5.0%
State Sales Tax
6.0%
1.61%
Property Tax
0.86%

Affordability

21.3%
rent-to-income
Affordability
26.3%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Madison, WI and Brandon, FL, the overall cost of living indices are 103 and 108 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $327/month cheaper in Madison, saving renters about $3,924/year.

Median household income is $85/year higher in Brandon. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Madison is $346,900 compared to $293,800 in Brandon.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Madison vs Brandon — common questions

Is Madison or Brandon cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Madison is cheaper to live in with an index of 103 compared to 108 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Madison and Brandon?
Median rent in Madison is $1,364/month and in Brandon it's $1,691/month — a difference of $327/month.
Which city has higher income, Madison or Brandon?
Median household income is $76,983 in Madison and $77,068 in Brandon. Median household income is $85/year higher in Brandon.
How do taxes compare between Wisconsin and Florida?
Wisconsin has 7.65% income tax, 5.0% sales tax, and 1.61% property tax. Florida has 0% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 0.86% property tax.
Should I move to Madison or Brandon?
It depends on your priorities. Madison has a cost index of 103 with median rent of $1,364/mo, while Brandon has a cost index of 108 with rent of $1,691/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Madison details → View Brandon details →

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