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

Madison

Wisconsin
103
VS

McAllen

Texas
66

Madison is 56% more expensive than McAllen.

$1,364/mo ↑ 34%
Median Rent
$1,017/mo ↓ 25%
$76,983/yr ↑ 28%
Median Income
$60,165/yr ↓ 22%
$346,900 ↑ 100%
Home Value
$173,800 ↓ 50%
$1,476/mo ↑ 48%
Owner Costs
$996/mo ↓ 33%
275,568
Population
143,789

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
20.3%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Madison, WI and McAllen, TX, the overall cost of living indices are 103 and 66 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $347/month cheaper in McAllen, saving renters about $4,164/year.

Median household income is $16,818/year higher in Madison. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Madison is $346,900 compared to $173,800 in McAllen.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Madison vs McAllen — common questions

Is Madison or McAllen cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, McAllen is cheaper to live in with an index of 66 compared to 103 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Madison and McAllen?
Median rent in Madison is $1,364/month and in McAllen it's $1,017/month — a difference of $347/month.
Which city has higher income, Madison or McAllen?
Median household income is $76,983 in Madison and $60,165 in McAllen. Median household income is $16,818/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 McAllen?
It depends on your priorities. Madison has a cost index of 103 with median rent of $1,364/mo, while McAllen has a cost index of 66 with rent of $1,017/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
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