Cost of Living: Madison, WI vs Lakeland, FL (2026)

Madison

Wisconsin
103
VS

Lakeland

Florida
82

Madison is 26% more expensive than Lakeland.

$1,364/mo ↑ 5%
Median Rent
$1,299/mo ↓ 5%
$76,983/yr ↑ 26%
Median Income
$60,947/yr ↓ 21%
$346,900 ↑ 51%
Home Value
$229,100 ↓ 34%
$1,476/mo ↑ 28%
Owner Costs
$1,149/mo ↓ 22%
275,568
Population
117,030

Tax Comparison

7.65%
Income Tax
0%
5.0%
State Sales Tax
6.0%
1.61%
Property Tax
0.86%

Affordability

21.3%
rent-to-income
Affordability
25.6%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Madison, WI and Lakeland, FL, the overall cost of living indices are 103 and 82 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $65/month cheaper in Lakeland, saving renters about $780/year.

Median household income is $16,036/year higher in Madison. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Madison is $346,900 compared to $229,100 in Lakeland.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Madison vs Lakeland — common questions

Is Madison or Lakeland cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Lakeland is cheaper to live in with an index of 82 compared to 103 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Madison and Lakeland?
Median rent in Madison is $1,364/month and in Lakeland it's $1,299/month — a difference of $65/month.
Which city has higher income, Madison or Lakeland?
Median household income is $76,983 in Madison and $60,947 in Lakeland. Median household income is $16,036/year higher in Madison.
How do taxes compare between Wisconsin and Florida?
Wisconsin has 7.65% income tax, 5.0% sales tax, and 1.61% property tax. Florida has 0% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 0.86% property tax.
Should I move to Madison or Lakeland?
It depends on your priorities. Madison has a cost index of 103 with median rent of $1,364/mo, while Lakeland has a cost index of 82 with rent of $1,299/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Madison details → View Lakeland details →

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