Cost of Living: Madison, WI vs Everett, WA (2026)

Madison

Wisconsin
103
VS

Everett

Washington
137

Madison is 25% cheaper than Everett.

$1,364/mo ↓ 19%
Median Rent
$1,675/mo ↑ 23%
$76,983/yr ↓ 6%
Median Income
$81,502/yr ↑ 6%
$346,900 ↓ 35%
Home Value
$532,300 ↑ 53%
$1,476/mo ↓ 15%
Owner Costs
$1,738/mo ↑ 18%
275,568
Population
111,083

Tax Comparison

7.65%
Income Tax
0%
5.0%
State Sales Tax
6.5%
1.61%
Property Tax
0.92%

Affordability

21.3%
rent-to-income
Affordability
24.7%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Madison, WI and Everett, WA, the overall cost of living indices are 103 and 137 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $311/month cheaper in Madison, saving renters about $3,732/year.

Median household income is $4,519/year higher in Everett. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Madison is $346,900 compared to $532,300 in Everett.

Washington has no state income tax, giving Everett residents a significant tax advantage over Wisconsin's 7.65% rate.

Frequently Asked Questions

Madison vs Everett — common questions

Is Madison or Everett cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Madison is cheaper to live in with an index of 103 compared to 137 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Madison and Everett?
Median rent in Madison is $1,364/month and in Everett it's $1,675/month — a difference of $311/month.
Which city has higher income, Madison or Everett?
Median household income is $76,983 in Madison and $81,502 in Everett. Median household income is $4,519/year higher in Everett.
How do taxes compare between Wisconsin and Washington?
Wisconsin has 7.65% income tax, 5.0% sales tax, and 1.61% property tax. Washington has 0% income tax, 6.5% sales tax, and 0.92% property tax.
Should I move to Madison or Everett?
It depends on your priorities. Madison has a cost index of 103 with median rent of $1,364/mo, while Everett has a cost index of 137 with rent of $1,675/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
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