Cost of Living: Madison, WI vs Dearborn, MI (2026)

Madison

Wisconsin
103
VS

Dearborn

Michigan
79

Madison is 30% more expensive than Dearborn.

$1,364/mo ↑ 8%
Median Rent
$1,264/mo ↓ 7%
$76,983/yr ↑ 18%
Median Income
$65,192/yr ↓ 15%
$346,900 ↑ 68%
Home Value
$205,900 ↓ 41%
$1,476/mo ↑ 26%
Owner Costs
$1,174/mo ↓ 20%
275,568
Population
107,846

Tax Comparison

7.65%
Income Tax
4.25%
5.0%
State Sales Tax
6.0%
1.61%
Property Tax
1.38%

Affordability

21.3%
rent-to-income
Affordability
23.3%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Madison, WI and Dearborn, MI, the overall cost of living indices are 103 and 79 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $100/month cheaper in Dearborn, saving renters about $1,200/year.

Median household income is $11,791/year higher in Madison. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Madison is $346,900 compared to $205,900 in Dearborn.

Michigan has a lower income tax rate, making Dearborn slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Madison vs Dearborn — common questions

Is Madison or Dearborn cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Dearborn is cheaper to live in with an index of 79 compared to 103 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Madison and Dearborn?
Median rent in Madison is $1,364/month and in Dearborn it's $1,264/month — a difference of $100/month.
Which city has higher income, Madison or Dearborn?
Median household income is $76,983 in Madison and $65,192 in Dearborn. Median household income is $11,791/year higher in Madison.
How do taxes compare between Wisconsin and Michigan?
Wisconsin has 7.65% income tax, 5.0% sales tax, and 1.61% property tax. Michigan has 4.25% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 1.38% property tax.
Should I move to Madison or Dearborn?
It depends on your priorities. Madison has a cost index of 103 with median rent of $1,364/mo, while Dearborn has a cost index of 79 with rent of $1,264/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Madison details → View Dearborn details →

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