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

Madison

Wisconsin
103
VS

Gainesville

Florida
81

Madison is 27% more expensive than Gainesville.

$1,364/mo ↑ 12%
Median Rent
$1,214/mo ↓ 11%
$76,983/yr ↑ 69%
Median Income
$45,611/yr ↓ 41%
$346,900 ↑ 48%
Home Value
$235,000 ↓ 32%
$1,476/mo ↑ 26%
Owner Costs
$1,167/mo ↓ 21%
275,568
Population
143,611

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
31.9%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Madison, WI and Gainesville, FL, the overall cost of living indices are 103 and 81 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $150/month cheaper in Gainesville, saving renters about $1,800/year.

Median household income is $31,372/year higher in Madison. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Madison is $346,900 compared to $235,000 in Gainesville.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Madison vs Gainesville — common questions

Is Madison or Gainesville cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Gainesville is cheaper to live in with an index of 81 compared to 103 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Madison and Gainesville?
Median rent in Madison is $1,364/month and in Gainesville it's $1,214/month — a difference of $150/month.
Which city has higher income, Madison or Gainesville?
Median household income is $76,983 in Madison and $45,611 in Gainesville. Median household income is $31,372/year higher in Madison.
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 Gainesville?
It depends on your priorities. Madison has a cost index of 103 with median rent of $1,364/mo, while Gainesville has a cost index of 81 with rent of $1,214/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Madison details → View Gainesville details →

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