Cost of Living: Madison, WI vs Cambridge, MA (2026)

Madison

Wisconsin
103
VS

Cambridge

Massachusetts
239

Madison is 57% cheaper than Cambridge.

$1,364/mo ↓ 50%
Median Rent
$2,742/mo ↑ 101%
$76,983/yr ↓ 39%
Median Income
$126,469/yr ↑ 64%
$346,900 ↓ 67%
Home Value
$1,040,500 ↑ 200%
$1,476/mo ↓ 44%
Owner Costs
$2,634/mo ↑ 78%
275,568
Population
117,794

Tax Comparison

7.65%
Income Tax
9.0%
5.0%
State Sales Tax
6.25%
1.61%
Property Tax
1.15%

Affordability

21.3%
rent-to-income
Affordability
26.0%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Madison, WI and Cambridge, MA, the overall cost of living indices are 103 and 239 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $1,378/month cheaper in Madison, saving renters about $16,536/year.

Median household income is $49,486/year higher in Cambridge. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Madison is $346,900 compared to $1,040,500 in Cambridge.

Wisconsin has a lower income tax rate, making Madison slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Madison vs Cambridge — common questions

Is Madison or Cambridge cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Madison is cheaper to live in with an index of 103 compared to 239 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Madison and Cambridge?
Median rent in Madison is $1,364/month and in Cambridge it's $2,742/month — a difference of $1,378/month.
Which city has higher income, Madison or Cambridge?
Median household income is $76,983 in Madison and $126,469 in Cambridge. Median household income is $49,486/year higher in Cambridge.
How do taxes compare between Wisconsin and Massachusetts?
Wisconsin has 7.65% income tax, 5.0% sales tax, and 1.61% property tax. Massachusetts has 9.0% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 1.15% property tax.
Should I move to Madison or Cambridge?
It depends on your priorities. Madison has a cost index of 103 with median rent of $1,364/mo, while Cambridge has a cost index of 239 with rent of $2,742/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Madison details → View Cambridge details →

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