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

Madison

Wisconsin
103
VS

Glendale

Arizona
102

Madison and Glendale have a similar cost of living.

$1,364/mo ↓ 2%
Median Rent
$1,397/mo ↑ 2%
$76,983/yr ↑ 10%
Median Income
$70,139/yr ↓ 9%
$346,900 ≈ Same
Home Value
$347,000 ≈ Same
$1,476/mo ↑ 9%
Owner Costs
$1,356/mo ↓ 8%
275,568
Population
250,193

Tax Comparison

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

Affordability

21.3%
rent-to-income
Affordability
23.9%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Madison, WI and Glendale, AZ, the overall cost of living indices are 103 and 102 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is comparable in both cities, with less than $50/month separating them.

Median household income is $6,844/year higher in Madison. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Madison is $346,900 compared to $347,000 in Glendale.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Madison vs Glendale — common questions

Is Madison or Glendale cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Glendale is cheaper to live in with an index of 102 compared to 103 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Madison and Glendale?
Median rent in Madison is $1,364/month and in Glendale it's $1,397/month — a difference of $33/month.
Which city has higher income, Madison or Glendale?
Median household income is $76,983 in Madison and $70,139 in Glendale. Median household income is $6,844/year higher in Madison.
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 Glendale?
It depends on your priorities. Madison has a cost index of 103 with median rent of $1,364/mo, while Glendale has a cost index of 102 with rent of $1,397/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Madison details → View Glendale details →

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