Cost of Living: Madison, WI vs Gilbert, AZ (2026)

Madison

Wisconsin
103
VS

Gilbert

Arizona
148

Madison is 45% cheaper than Gilbert.

$1,364/mo ↓ 33%
Median Rent
$2,028/mo ↑ 49%
$76,983/yr ↓ 37%
Median Income
$121,351/yr ↑ 58%
$346,900 ↓ 33%
Home Value
$518,600 ↑ 49%
$1,476/mo ↓ 23%
Owner Costs
$1,908/mo ↑ 29%
275,568
Population
271,118

Tax Comparison

7.65%
Income Tax
2.5%
5.0%
Sales Tax
5.6%
1.61%
Property Tax
0.62%

Affordability

21.3%
rent-to-income
Affordability
20.1%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Madison, WI and Gilbert, AZ, the overall cost of living indices are 103 and 148 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $664/month cheaper in Madison, saving renters about $7,968/year.

Median household income is $44,368/year higher in Gilbert. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Madison is $346,900 compared to $518,600 in Gilbert.

Arizona has a lower income tax rate, making Gilbert slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Madison vs Gilbert — common questions

Is Madison or Gilbert cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Madison is cheaper to live in with an index of 103 compared to 148 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Madison and Gilbert?
Median rent in Madison is $1,364/month and in Gilbert it's $2,028/month — a difference of $664/month.
Which city has higher income, Madison or Gilbert?
Median household income is $76,983 in Madison and $121,351 in Gilbert. Median household income is $44,368/year higher in Gilbert.
How do taxes compare between Wisconsin and Arizona?
Wisconsin has 7.65% income tax, 5.0% sales tax, and 1.61% property tax. Arizona has 2.5% income tax, 5.6% sales tax, and 0.62% property tax.
Should I move to Madison or Gilbert?
It depends on your priorities. Madison has a cost index of 103 with median rent of $1,364/mo, while Gilbert has a cost index of 148 with rent of $2,028/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
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