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

Madison

Wisconsin
103
VS

Lubbock

Texas
75

Madison is 37% more expensive than Lubbock.

$1,364/mo ↑ 20%
Median Rent
$1,137/mo ↓ 17%
$76,983/yr ↑ 27%
Median Income
$60,487/yr ↓ 21%
$346,900 ↑ 75%
Home Value
$197,900 ↓ 43%
$1,476/mo ↑ 25%
Owner Costs
$1,179/mo ↓ 20%
275,568
Population
261,078

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
22.6%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Madison, WI and Lubbock, TX, the overall cost of living indices are 103 and 75 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $227/month cheaper in Lubbock, saving renters about $2,724/year.

Median household income is $16,496/year higher in Madison. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Madison is $346,900 compared to $197,900 in Lubbock.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Madison vs Lubbock — common questions

Is Madison or Lubbock cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Lubbock is cheaper to live in with an index of 75 compared to 103 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Madison and Lubbock?
Median rent in Madison is $1,364/month and in Lubbock it's $1,137/month — a difference of $227/month.
Which city has higher income, Madison or Lubbock?
Median household income is $76,983 in Madison and $60,487 in Lubbock. Median household income is $16,496/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 Lubbock?
It depends on your priorities. Madison has a cost index of 103 with median rent of $1,364/mo, while Lubbock has a cost index of 75 with rent of $1,137/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Madison details → View Lubbock details →

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