Cost of Living: Madison, WI vs Lansing, MI (2026)

Madison

Wisconsin
103
VS

Lansing

Michigan
58

Madison is 78% more expensive than Lansing.

$1,364/mo ↑ 40%
Median Rent
$976/mo ↓ 28%
$76,983/yr ↑ 48%
Median Income
$52,170/yr ↓ 32%
$346,900 ↑ 191%
Home Value
$119,400 ↓ 66%
$1,476/mo ↑ 51%
Owner Costs
$978/mo ↓ 34%
275,568
Population
112,546

Tax Comparison

7.65%
Income Tax
4.25%
5.0%
State Sales Tax
6.0%
1.61%
Property Tax
1.38%

Affordability

21.3%
rent-to-income
Affordability
22.4%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Madison, WI and Lansing, MI, the overall cost of living indices are 103 and 58 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $388/month cheaper in Lansing, saving renters about $4,656/year.

Median household income is $24,813/year higher in Madison. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Madison is $346,900 compared to $119,400 in Lansing.

Michigan has a lower income tax rate, making Lansing slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Madison vs Lansing — common questions

Is Madison or Lansing cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Lansing is cheaper to live in with an index of 58 compared to 103 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Madison and Lansing?
Median rent in Madison is $1,364/month and in Lansing it's $976/month — a difference of $388/month.
Which city has higher income, Madison or Lansing?
Median household income is $76,983 in Madison and $52,170 in Lansing. Median household income is $24,813/year higher in Madison.
How do taxes compare between Wisconsin and Michigan?
Wisconsin has 7.65% income tax, 5.0% sales tax, and 1.61% property tax. Michigan has 4.25% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 1.38% property tax.
Should I move to Madison or Lansing?
It depends on your priorities. Madison has a cost index of 103 with median rent of $1,364/mo, while Lansing has a cost index of 58 with rent of $976/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Madison details → View Lansing details →

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