Cost of Living: Madison, WI vs High Point, NC (2026)

Madison

Wisconsin
103
VS

High Point

North Carolina
73

Madison is 41% more expensive than High Point.

$1,364/mo ↑ 28%
Median Rent
$1,062/mo ↓ 22%
$76,983/yr ↑ 26%
Median Income
$61,228/yr ↓ 20%
$346,900 ↑ 63%
Home Value
$212,400 ↓ 39%
$1,476/mo ↑ 36%
Owner Costs
$1,084/mo ↓ 27%
275,568
Population
115,263

Tax Comparison

7.65%
Income Tax
4.5%
5.0%
State Sales Tax
4.75%
1.61%
Property Tax
0.8%

Affordability

21.3%
rent-to-income
Affordability
20.8%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Madison, WI and High Point, NC, the overall cost of living indices are 103 and 73 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $302/month cheaper in High Point, saving renters about $3,624/year.

Median household income is $15,755/year higher in Madison. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Madison is $346,900 compared to $212,400 in High Point.

North Carolina has a lower income tax rate, making High Point slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Madison vs High Point — common questions

Is Madison or High Point cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, High Point is cheaper to live in with an index of 73 compared to 103 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Madison and High Point?
Median rent in Madison is $1,364/month and in High Point it's $1,062/month — a difference of $302/month.
Which city has higher income, Madison or High Point?
Median household income is $76,983 in Madison and $61,228 in High Point. Median household income is $15,755/year higher in Madison.
How do taxes compare between Wisconsin and North Carolina?
Wisconsin has 7.65% income tax, 5.0% sales tax, and 1.61% property tax. North Carolina has 4.5% income tax, 4.75% sales tax, and 0.8% property tax.
Should I move to Madison or High Point?
It depends on your priorities. Madison has a cost index of 103 with median rent of $1,364/mo, while High Point has a cost index of 73 with rent of $1,062/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Madison details → View High Point details →

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