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

Madison

Wisconsin
103
VS

Cape Coral

Florida
114

Madison is 10% cheaper than Cape Coral.

$1,364/mo ↓ 22%
Median Rent
$1,751/mo ↑ 28%
$76,983/yr ↑ 1%
Median Income
$76,062/yr ↓ 1%
$346,900 ↑ 2%
Home Value
$339,200 ↓ 2%
$1,476/mo ↓ 3%
Owner Costs
$1,523/mo ↑ 3%
275,568
Population
206,387

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
27.6%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Madison, WI and Cape Coral, FL, the overall cost of living indices are 103 and 114 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $387/month cheaper in Madison, saving renters about $4,644/year.

Median household income is $921/year higher in Madison. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Madison is $346,900 compared to $339,200 in Cape Coral.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Madison vs Cape Coral — common questions

Is Madison or Cape Coral cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Madison is cheaper to live in with an index of 103 compared to 114 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Madison and Cape Coral?
Median rent in Madison is $1,364/month and in Cape Coral it's $1,751/month — a difference of $387/month.
Which city has higher income, Madison or Cape Coral?
Median household income is $76,983 in Madison and $76,062 in Cape Coral. Median household income is $921/year higher in Madison.
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 Cape Coral?
It depends on your priorities. Madison has a cost index of 103 with median rent of $1,364/mo, while Cape Coral has a cost index of 114 with rent of $1,751/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Madison details → View Cape Coral details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Madison and Cape Coral

Madison vs. Buffalo Madison vs. Chula Vista Madison vs. Chandler Madison vs. Gilbert Madison vs. Plano Madison vs. North Las Vegas Cape Coral vs. Yonkers Cape Coral vs. Worcester Cape Coral vs. Fayetteville Cape Coral vs. Columbus Cape Coral vs. Rochester Cape Coral vs. Salt Lake City