Cost of Living: Madison, WI vs Garland, TX (2026)

Madison

Wisconsin
103
VS

Garland

Texas
96

Madison is 7% more expensive than Garland.

$1,364/mo ↓ 11%
Median Rent
$1,525/mo ↑ 12%
$76,983/yr ↑ 3%
Median Income
$74,717/yr ↓ 3%
$346,900 ↑ 39%
Home Value
$248,900 ↓ 28%
$1,476/mo ↑ 2%
Owner Costs
$1,445/mo ↓ 2%
275,568
Population
245,298

Tax Comparison

7.65%
Income Tax
0%
5.0%
State Sales Tax
6.25%
1.61%
Property Tax
1.6%

Affordability

21.3%
rent-to-income
Affordability
24.5%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Madison, WI and Garland, TX, the overall cost of living indices are 103 and 96 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $161/month cheaper in Madison, saving renters about $1,932/year.

Median household income is $2,266/year higher in Madison. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Madison is $346,900 compared to $248,900 in Garland.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Madison vs Garland — common questions

Is Madison or Garland cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Garland is cheaper to live in with an index of 96 compared to 103 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Madison and Garland?
Median rent in Madison is $1,364/month and in Garland it's $1,525/month — a difference of $161/month.
Which city has higher income, Madison or Garland?
Median household income is $76,983 in Madison and $74,717 in Garland. Median household income is $2,266/year higher in Madison.
How do taxes compare between Wisconsin and Texas?
Wisconsin has 7.65% income tax, 5.0% sales tax, and 1.61% property tax. Texas has 0% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 1.6% property tax.
Should I move to Madison or Garland?
It depends on your priorities. Madison has a cost index of 103 with median rent of $1,364/mo, while Garland has a cost index of 96 with rent of $1,525/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Madison details → View Garland details →

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