Cost of Living: Madison, WI vs Fort Collins, CO (2026)

Madison

Wisconsin
103
VS

Fort Collins

Colorado
137

Madison is 25% cheaper than Fort Collins.

$1,364/mo ↓ 18%
Median Rent
$1,661/mo ↑ 22%
$76,983/yr ↓ 8%
Median Income
$83,598/yr ↑ 9%
$346,900 ↓ 37%
Home Value
$548,400 ↑ 58%
$1,476/mo ↓ 13%
Owner Costs
$1,692/mo ↑ 15%
275,568
Population
169,705

Tax Comparison

7.65%
Income Tax
4.4%
5.0%
State Sales Tax
2.9%
1.61%
Property Tax
0.51%

Affordability

21.3%
rent-to-income
Affordability
23.8%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Madison, WI and Fort Collins, CO, the overall cost of living indices are 103 and 137 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $297/month cheaper in Madison, saving renters about $3,564/year.

Median household income is $6,615/year higher in Fort Collins. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Madison is $346,900 compared to $548,400 in Fort Collins.

Colorado has a lower income tax rate, making Fort Collins slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Madison vs Fort Collins — common questions

Is Madison or Fort Collins 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 Fort Collins?
Median rent in Madison is $1,364/month and in Fort Collins it's $1,661/month — a difference of $297/month.
Which city has higher income, Madison or Fort Collins?
Median household income is $76,983 in Madison and $83,598 in Fort Collins. Median household income is $6,615/year higher in Fort Collins.
How do taxes compare between Wisconsin and Colorado?
Wisconsin has 7.65% income tax, 5.0% sales tax, and 1.61% property tax. Colorado has 4.4% income tax, 2.9% sales tax, and 0.51% property tax.
Should I move to Madison or Fort Collins?
It depends on your priorities. Madison has a cost index of 103 with median rent of $1,364/mo, while Fort Collins has a cost index of 137 with rent of $1,661/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Madison details → View Fort Collins details →

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