Cost of Living: Madison, WI vs Fort Lauderdale, FL (2026)

Madison

Wisconsin
103
VS

Fort Lauderdale

Florida
132

Madison is 22% cheaper than Fort Lauderdale.

$1,364/mo ↓ 23%
Median Rent
$1,776/mo ↑ 30%
$76,983/yr ↓ 4%
Median Income
$79,935/yr ↑ 4%
$346,900 ↓ 24%
Home Value
$455,600 ↑ 31%
$1,476/mo ↓ 17%
Owner Costs
$1,778/mo ↑ 20%
275,568
Population
183,032

Tax Comparison

7.65%
Income Tax
0%
5.0%
State Sales Tax
6.0%
1.61%
Property Tax
0.86%

Affordability

21.3%
rent-to-income
Affordability
26.7%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Madison, WI and Fort Lauderdale, FL, the overall cost of living indices are 103 and 132 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $412/month cheaper in Madison, saving renters about $4,944/year.

Median household income is $2,952/year higher in Fort Lauderdale. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Madison is $346,900 compared to $455,600 in Fort Lauderdale.

Florida has no state income tax, giving Fort Lauderdale residents a significant tax advantage over Wisconsin's 7.65% rate.

Frequently Asked Questions

Madison vs Fort Lauderdale — common questions

Is Madison or Fort Lauderdale cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Madison is cheaper to live in with an index of 103 compared to 132 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Madison and Fort Lauderdale?
Median rent in Madison is $1,364/month and in Fort Lauderdale it's $1,776/month — a difference of $412/month.
Which city has higher income, Madison or Fort Lauderdale?
Median household income is $76,983 in Madison and $79,935 in Fort Lauderdale. Median household income is $2,952/year higher in Fort Lauderdale.
How do taxes compare between Wisconsin and Florida?
Wisconsin has 7.65% income tax, 5.0% sales tax, and 1.61% property tax. Florida has 0% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 0.86% property tax.
Should I move to Madison or Fort Lauderdale?
It depends on your priorities. Madison has a cost index of 103 with median rent of $1,364/mo, while Fort Lauderdale has a cost index of 132 with rent of $1,776/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Madison details → View Fort Lauderdale details →

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