Cost of Living: Madison, WI vs Evansville, IN (2026)

Madison

Wisconsin
103
VS

Evansville

Indiana
57

Madison is 81% more expensive than Evansville.

$1,364/mo ↑ 44%
Median Rent
$949/mo ↓ 30%
$76,983/yr ↑ 47%
Median Income
$52,251/yr ↓ 32%
$346,900 ↑ 169%
Home Value
$129,100 ↓ 63%
$1,476/mo ↑ 61%
Owner Costs
$919/mo ↓ 38%
275,568
Population
116,441

Tax Comparison

7.65%
Income Tax
3.05%
5.0%
State Sales Tax
7.0%
1.61%
Property Tax
0.83%

Affordability

21.3%
rent-to-income
Affordability
21.8%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Madison, WI and Evansville, IN, the overall cost of living indices are 103 and 57 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $415/month cheaper in Evansville, saving renters about $4,980/year.

Median household income is $24,732/year higher in Madison. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Madison is $346,900 compared to $129,100 in Evansville.

Indiana has a lower income tax rate, making Evansville slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Madison vs Evansville — common questions

Is Madison or Evansville cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Evansville is cheaper to live in with an index of 57 compared to 103 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Madison and Evansville?
Median rent in Madison is $1,364/month and in Evansville it's $949/month — a difference of $415/month.
Which city has higher income, Madison or Evansville?
Median household income is $76,983 in Madison and $52,251 in Evansville. Median household income is $24,732/year higher in Madison.
How do taxes compare between Wisconsin and Indiana?
Wisconsin has 7.65% income tax, 5.0% sales tax, and 1.61% property tax. Indiana has 3.05% income tax, 7.0% sales tax, and 0.83% property tax.
Should I move to Madison or Evansville?
It depends on your priorities. Madison has a cost index of 103 with median rent of $1,364/mo, while Evansville has a cost index of 57 with rent of $949/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Madison details → View Evansville details →

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