Cost of Living: Madison, WI vs Carrollton, TX (2026)

Madison

Wisconsin
103
VS

Carrollton

Texas
116

Madison is 11% cheaper than Carrollton.

$1,364/mo ↓ 19%
Median Rent
$1,674/mo ↑ 23%
$76,983/yr ↓ 22%
Median Income
$99,115/yr ↑ 29%
$346,900 ↓ 2%
Home Value
$353,600 ↑ 2%
$1,476/mo ↓ 13%
Owner Costs
$1,689/mo ↑ 14%
275,568
Population
132,741

Tax Comparison

7.65%
Income Tax
0%
5.0%
State Sales Tax
6.25%
1.61%
Property Tax
1.6%

Affordability

21.3%
rent-to-income
Affordability
20.3%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Madison, WI and Carrollton, TX, the overall cost of living indices are 103 and 116 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $310/month cheaper in Madison, saving renters about $3,720/year.

Median household income is $22,132/year higher in Carrollton. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Madison is $346,900 compared to $353,600 in Carrollton.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Madison vs Carrollton — common questions

Is Madison or Carrollton cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Madison is cheaper to live in with an index of 103 compared to 116 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Madison and Carrollton?
Median rent in Madison is $1,364/month and in Carrollton it's $1,674/month — a difference of $310/month.
Which city has higher income, Madison or Carrollton?
Median household income is $76,983 in Madison and $99,115 in Carrollton. Median household income is $22,132/year higher in Carrollton.
How do taxes compare between Wisconsin and Texas?
Wisconsin has 7.65% income tax, 5.0% sales tax, and 1.61% property tax. Texas has 0% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 1.6% property tax.
Should I move to Madison or Carrollton?
It depends on your priorities. Madison has a cost index of 103 with median rent of $1,364/mo, while Carrollton has a cost index of 116 with rent of $1,674/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Madison details → View Carrollton details →

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