Cost of Living: Madison, WI vs Columbus, GA (2026)

Madison

Wisconsin
103
VS

Columbus

Georgia
69

Madison is 49% more expensive than Columbus.

$1,364/mo ↑ 27%
Median Rent
$1,072/mo ↓ 21%
$76,983/yr ↑ 36%
Median Income
$56,622/yr ↓ 26%
$346,900 ↑ 90%
Home Value
$182,300 ↓ 47%
$1,476/mo ↑ 39%
Owner Costs
$1,064/mo ↓ 28%
275,568
Population
204,383

Tax Comparison

7.65%
Income Tax
5.49%
5.0%
State Sales Tax
4.0%
1.61%
Property Tax
0.92%

Affordability

21.3%
rent-to-income
Affordability
22.7%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Madison, WI and Columbus, GA, the overall cost of living indices are 103 and 69 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $292/month cheaper in Columbus, saving renters about $3,504/year.

Median household income is $20,361/year higher in Madison. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Madison is $346,900 compared to $182,300 in Columbus.

Georgia has a lower income tax rate, making Columbus slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Madison vs Columbus — common questions

Is Madison or Columbus cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Columbus is cheaper to live in with an index of 69 compared to 103 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Madison and Columbus?
Median rent in Madison is $1,364/month and in Columbus it's $1,072/month — a difference of $292/month.
Which city has higher income, Madison or Columbus?
Median household income is $76,983 in Madison and $56,622 in Columbus. Median household income is $20,361/year higher in Madison.
How do taxes compare between Wisconsin and Georgia?
Wisconsin has 7.65% income tax, 5.0% sales tax, and 1.61% property tax. Georgia has 5.49% income tax, 4.0% sales tax, and 0.92% property tax.
Should I move to Madison or Columbus?
It depends on your priorities. Madison has a cost index of 103 with median rent of $1,364/mo, while Columbus has a cost index of 69 with rent of $1,072/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
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