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

Madison

Wisconsin
103
VS

Killeen

Texas
75

Madison is 37% more expensive than Killeen.

$1,364/mo ↑ 19%
Median Rent
$1,147/mo ↓ 16%
$76,983/yr ↑ 32%
Median Income
$58,339/yr ↓ 24%
$346,900 ↑ 77%
Home Value
$196,000 ↓ 43%
$1,476/mo ↑ 26%
Owner Costs
$1,176/mo ↓ 20%
275,568
Population
156,144

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
23.6%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Madison, WI and Killeen, TX, the overall cost of living indices are 103 and 75 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $217/month cheaper in Killeen, saving renters about $2,604/year.

Median household income is $18,644/year higher in Madison. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Madison is $346,900 compared to $196,000 in Killeen.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Madison vs Killeen — common questions

Is Madison or Killeen cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Killeen is cheaper to live in with an index of 75 compared to 103 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Madison and Killeen?
Median rent in Madison is $1,364/month and in Killeen it's $1,147/month — a difference of $217/month.
Which city has higher income, Madison or Killeen?
Median household income is $76,983 in Madison and $58,339 in Killeen. Median household income is $18,644/year higher in Madison.
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 Killeen?
It depends on your priorities. Madison has a cost index of 103 with median rent of $1,364/mo, while Killeen has a cost index of 75 with rent of $1,147/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Madison details → View Killeen details →

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