Cost of Living: Madison, WI vs Miami Gardens, FL (2026)

Madison

Wisconsin
103
VS

Miami Gardens

Florida
115

Madison is 10% cheaper than Miami Gardens.

$1,364/mo ↓ 20%
Median Rent
$1,709/mo ↑ 25%
$76,983/yr ↑ 26%
Median Income
$60,979/yr ↓ 21%
$346,900 ↑ 3%
Home Value
$337,200 ↓ 3%
$1,476/mo ↓ 10%
Owner Costs
$1,640/mo ↑ 11%
275,568
Population
111,264

Tax Comparison

7.65%
Income Tax
0%
5.0%
State Sales Tax
6.0%
1.61%
Property Tax
0.86%

Affordability

21.3%
rent-to-income
Affordability
33.6%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Madison, WI and Miami Gardens, FL, the overall cost of living indices are 103 and 115 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $345/month cheaper in Madison, saving renters about $4,140/year.

Median household income is $16,004/year higher in Madison. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Madison is $346,900 compared to $337,200 in Miami Gardens.

Florida has no state income tax, giving Miami Gardens residents a significant tax advantage over Wisconsin's 7.65% rate.

Frequently Asked Questions

Madison vs Miami Gardens — common questions

Is Madison or Miami Gardens cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Madison is cheaper to live in with an index of 103 compared to 115 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Madison and Miami Gardens?
Median rent in Madison is $1,364/month and in Miami Gardens it's $1,709/month — a difference of $345/month.
Which city has higher income, Madison or Miami Gardens?
Median household income is $76,983 in Madison and $60,979 in Miami Gardens. Median household income is $16,004/year higher in Madison.
How do taxes compare between Wisconsin and Florida?
Wisconsin has 7.65% income tax, 5.0% sales tax, and 1.61% property tax. Florida has 0% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 0.86% property tax.
Should I move to Madison or Miami Gardens?
It depends on your priorities. Madison has a cost index of 103 with median rent of $1,364/mo, while Miami Gardens has a cost index of 115 with rent of $1,709/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
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More Comparisons

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