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

Madison

Wisconsin
103
VS

Irving

Texas
102

Madison and Irving have a similar cost of living.

$1,364/mo ↓ 10%
Median Rent
$1,517/mo ↑ 11%
$76,983/yr ↓ 3%
Median Income
$79,641/yr ↑ 3%
$346,900 ↑ 21%
Home Value
$287,300 ↓ 17%
$1,476/mo ↓ 3%
Owner Costs
$1,521/mo ↑ 3%
275,568
Population
255,036

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
22.9%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Madison, WI and Irving, TX, the overall cost of living indices are 103 and 102 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $153/month cheaper in Madison, saving renters about $1,836/year.

Median household income is $2,658/year higher in Irving. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Madison is $346,900 compared to $287,300 in Irving.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Madison vs Irving — common questions

Is Madison or Irving cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Irving is cheaper to live in with an index of 102 compared to 103 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Madison and Irving?
Median rent in Madison is $1,364/month and in Irving it's $1,517/month — a difference of $153/month.
Which city has higher income, Madison or Irving?
Median household income is $76,983 in Madison and $79,641 in Irving. Median household income is $2,658/year higher in Irving.
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 Irving?
It depends on your priorities. Madison has a cost index of 103 with median rent of $1,364/mo, while Irving has a cost index of 102 with rent of $1,517/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
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