Cost of Living: Madison, WI vs Lakewood, CO (2026)

Madison

Wisconsin
103
VS

Lakewood

Colorado
141

Madison is 27% cheaper than Lakewood.

$1,364/mo ↓ 22%
Median Rent
$1,746/mo ↑ 28%
$76,983/yr ↓ 10%
Median Income
$85,789/yr ↑ 11%
$346,900 ↓ 37%
Home Value
$548,200 ↑ 58%
$1,476/mo ↓ 15%
Owner Costs
$1,729/mo ↑ 17%
275,568
Population
156,309

Tax Comparison

7.65%
Income Tax
4.4%
5.0%
State Sales Tax
2.9%
1.61%
Property Tax
0.51%

Affordability

21.3%
rent-to-income
Affordability
24.4%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Madison, WI and Lakewood, CO, the overall cost of living indices are 103 and 141 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $382/month cheaper in Madison, saving renters about $4,584/year.

Median household income is $8,806/year higher in Lakewood. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Madison is $346,900 compared to $548,200 in Lakewood.

Colorado has a lower income tax rate, making Lakewood slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Madison vs Lakewood — common questions

Is Madison or Lakewood cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Madison is cheaper to live in with an index of 103 compared to 141 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Madison and Lakewood?
Median rent in Madison is $1,364/month and in Lakewood it's $1,746/month — a difference of $382/month.
Which city has higher income, Madison or Lakewood?
Median household income is $76,983 in Madison and $85,789 in Lakewood. Median household income is $8,806/year higher in Lakewood.
How do taxes compare between Wisconsin and Colorado?
Wisconsin has 7.65% income tax, 5.0% sales tax, and 1.61% property tax. Colorado has 4.4% income tax, 2.9% sales tax, and 0.51% property tax.
Should I move to Madison or Lakewood?
It depends on your priorities. Madison has a cost index of 103 with median rent of $1,364/mo, while Lakewood has a cost index of 141 with rent of $1,746/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Madison details → View Lakewood details →

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