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

Madison

Wisconsin
103
VS

Laredo

Texas
67

Madison is 54% more expensive than Laredo.

$1,364/mo ↑ 36%
Median Rent
$1,001/mo ↓ 27%
$76,983/yr ↑ 22%
Median Income
$63,264/yr ↓ 18%
$346,900 ↑ 90%
Home Value
$182,400 ↓ 47%
$1,476/mo ↑ 38%
Owner Costs
$1,066/mo ↓ 28%
275,568
Population
255,949

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
19.0%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Madison, WI and Laredo, TX, the overall cost of living indices are 103 and 67 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $363/month cheaper in Laredo, saving renters about $4,356/year.

Median household income is $13,719/year higher in Madison. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Madison is $346,900 compared to $182,400 in Laredo.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Madison vs Laredo — common questions

Is Madison or Laredo cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Laredo is cheaper to live in with an index of 67 compared to 103 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Madison and Laredo?
Median rent in Madison is $1,364/month and in Laredo it's $1,001/month — a difference of $363/month.
Which city has higher income, Madison or Laredo?
Median household income is $76,983 in Madison and $63,264 in Laredo. Median household income is $13,719/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 Laredo?
It depends on your priorities. Madison has a cost index of 103 with median rent of $1,364/mo, while Laredo has a cost index of 67 with rent of $1,001/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Madison details → View Laredo details →

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