Cost of Living: Madison, WI vs Cary, NC (2026)

Madison

Wisconsin
103
VS

Cary

North Carolina
135

Madison is 24% cheaper than Cary.

$1,364/mo ↓ 16%
Median Rent
$1,621/mo ↑ 19%
$76,983/yr ↓ 41%
Median Income
$129,399/yr ↑ 68%
$346,900 ↓ 34%
Home Value
$525,200 ↑ 51%
$1,476/mo ↓ 15%
Owner Costs
$1,744/mo ↑ 18%
275,568
Population
176,686

Tax Comparison

7.65%
Income Tax
4.5%
5.0%
State Sales Tax
4.75%
1.61%
Property Tax
0.8%

Affordability

21.3%
rent-to-income
Affordability
15.0%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Madison, WI and Cary, NC, the overall cost of living indices are 103 and 135 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $257/month cheaper in Madison, saving renters about $3,084/year.

Median household income is $52,416/year higher in Cary. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Madison is $346,900 compared to $525,200 in Cary.

North Carolina has a lower income tax rate, making Cary slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Madison vs Cary — common questions

Is Madison or Cary cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Madison is cheaper to live in with an index of 103 compared to 135 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Madison and Cary?
Median rent in Madison is $1,364/month and in Cary it's $1,621/month — a difference of $257/month.
Which city has higher income, Madison or Cary?
Median household income is $76,983 in Madison and $129,399 in Cary. Median household income is $52,416/year higher in Cary.
How do taxes compare between Wisconsin and North Carolina?
Wisconsin has 7.65% income tax, 5.0% sales tax, and 1.61% property tax. North Carolina has 4.5% income tax, 4.75% sales tax, and 0.8% property tax.
Should I move to Madison or Cary?
It depends on your priorities. Madison has a cost index of 103 with median rent of $1,364/mo, while Cary has a cost index of 135 with rent of $1,621/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Madison details → View Cary details →

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