Cost of Living: Madison, WI vs Gresham, OR (2026)

Madison

Wisconsin
103
VS

Gresham

Oregon
119

Madison is 13% cheaper than Gresham.

$1,364/mo ↓ 10%
Median Rent
$1,508/mo ↑ 11%
$76,983/yr ↑ 5%
Median Income
$73,608/yr ↓ 4%
$346,900 ↓ 21%
Home Value
$440,000 ↑ 27%
$1,476/mo ↓ 7%
Owner Costs
$1,590/mo ↑ 8%
275,568
Population
112,818

Tax Comparison

7.65%
Income Tax
9.9%
5.0%
State Sales Tax
0%
1.61%
Property Tax
0.93%

Affordability

21.3%
rent-to-income
Affordability
24.6%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Madison, WI and Gresham, OR, the overall cost of living indices are 103 and 119 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $144/month cheaper in Madison, saving renters about $1,728/year.

Median household income is $3,375/year higher in Madison. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Madison is $346,900 compared to $440,000 in Gresham.

Wisconsin has a lower income tax rate, making Madison slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Madison vs Gresham — common questions

Is Madison or Gresham cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Madison is cheaper to live in with an index of 103 compared to 119 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Madison and Gresham?
Median rent in Madison is $1,364/month and in Gresham it's $1,508/month — a difference of $144/month.
Which city has higher income, Madison or Gresham?
Median household income is $76,983 in Madison and $73,608 in Gresham. Median household income is $3,375/year higher in Madison.
How do taxes compare between Wisconsin and Oregon?
Wisconsin has 7.65% income tax, 5.0% sales tax, and 1.61% property tax. Oregon has 9.9% income tax, 0% sales tax, and 0.93% property tax.
Should I move to Madison or Gresham?
It depends on your priorities. Madison has a cost index of 103 with median rent of $1,364/mo, while Gresham has a cost index of 119 with rent of $1,508/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
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