Cost of Living: Madison, WI vs Bridgeport, CT (2026)

Madison

Wisconsin
103
VS

Bridgeport

Connecticut
94

Madison is 10% more expensive than Bridgeport.

$1,364/mo ↓ 3%
Median Rent
$1,405/mo ↑ 3%
$76,983/yr ↑ 36%
Median Income
$56,584/yr ↓ 26%
$346,900 ↑ 37%
Home Value
$252,400 ↓ 27%
$1,476/mo ≈ Same
Owner Costs
$1,475/mo ≈ Same
275,568
Population
148,012

Tax Comparison

7.65%
Income Tax
6.99%
5.0%
State Sales Tax
6.35%
1.61%
Property Tax
2.15%

Affordability

21.3%
rent-to-income
Affordability
29.8%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Madison, WI and Bridgeport, CT, the overall cost of living indices are 103 and 94 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is comparable in both cities, with less than $50/month separating them.

Median household income is $20,399/year higher in Madison. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Madison is $346,900 compared to $252,400 in Bridgeport.

Connecticut has a lower income tax rate, making Bridgeport slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Madison vs Bridgeport — common questions

Is Madison or Bridgeport cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Bridgeport is cheaper to live in with an index of 94 compared to 103 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Madison and Bridgeport?
Median rent in Madison is $1,364/month and in Bridgeport it's $1,405/month — a difference of $41/month.
Which city has higher income, Madison or Bridgeport?
Median household income is $76,983 in Madison and $56,584 in Bridgeport. Median household income is $20,399/year higher in Madison.
How do taxes compare between Wisconsin and Connecticut?
Wisconsin has 7.65% income tax, 5.0% sales tax, and 1.61% property tax. Connecticut has 6.99% income tax, 6.35% sales tax, and 2.15% property tax.
Should I move to Madison or Bridgeport?
It depends on your priorities. Madison has a cost index of 103 with median rent of $1,364/mo, while Bridgeport has a cost index of 94 with rent of $1,405/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Madison details → View Bridgeport details →

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