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

Madison

Wisconsin
103
VS

College Station

Texas
91

Madison is 13% more expensive than College Station.

$1,364/mo ↑ 17%
Median Rent
$1,168/mo ↓ 14%
$76,983/yr ↑ 49%
Median Income
$51,776/yr ↓ 33%
$346,900 ↑ 6%
Home Value
$326,500 ↓ 6%
$1,476/mo ↑ 18%
Owner Costs
$1,251/mo ↓ 15%
275,568
Population
122,280

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
27.1%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Madison, WI and College Station, TX, the overall cost of living indices are 103 and 91 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $196/month cheaper in College Station, saving renters about $2,352/year.

Median household income is $25,207/year higher in Madison. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Madison is $346,900 compared to $326,500 in College Station.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Madison vs College Station — common questions

Is Madison or College Station cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, College Station is cheaper to live in with an index of 91 compared to 103 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Madison and College Station?
Median rent in Madison is $1,364/month and in College Station it's $1,168/month — a difference of $196/month.
Which city has higher income, Madison or College Station?
Median household income is $76,983 in Madison and $51,776 in College Station. Median household income is $25,207/year higher in Madison.
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 College Station?
It depends on your priorities. Madison has a cost index of 103 with median rent of $1,364/mo, while College Station has a cost index of 91 with rent of $1,168/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Madison details → View College Station details →

More Comparisons

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