Cost of Living: Madison, WI vs New Haven, CT (2026)

Madison

Wisconsin
103
VS

New Haven

Connecticut
95

Madison is 8% more expensive than New Haven.

$1,364/mo ↓ 5%
Median Rent
$1,442/mo ↑ 6%
$76,983/yr ↑ 43%
Median Income
$53,771/yr ↓ 30%
$346,900 ↑ 39%
Home Value
$249,000 ↓ 28%
$1,476/mo ↓ 3%
Owner Costs
$1,520/mo ↑ 3%
275,568
Population
132,893

Tax Comparison

7.65%
Income Tax
6.99%
5.0%
State Sales Tax
6.35%
1.61%
Property Tax
2.15%

Affordability

21.3%
rent-to-income
Affordability
32.2%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Madison, WI and New Haven, CT, the overall cost of living indices are 103 and 95 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $78/month cheaper in Madison, saving renters about $936/year.

Median household income is $23,212/year higher in Madison. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Madison is $346,900 compared to $249,000 in New Haven.

Connecticut has a lower income tax rate, making New Haven slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Madison vs New Haven — common questions

Is Madison or New Haven cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, New Haven is cheaper to live in with an index of 95 compared to 103 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Madison and New Haven?
Median rent in Madison is $1,364/month and in New Haven it's $1,442/month — a difference of $78/month.
Which city has higher income, Madison or New Haven?
Median household income is $76,983 in Madison and $53,771 in New Haven. Median household income is $23,212/year higher in Madison.
How do taxes compare between Wisconsin and Connecticut?
Wisconsin has 7.65% income tax, 5.0% sales tax, and 1.61% property tax. Connecticut has 6.99% income tax, 6.35% sales tax, and 2.15% property tax.
Should I move to Madison or New Haven?
It depends on your priorities. Madison has a cost index of 103 with median rent of $1,364/mo, while New Haven has a cost index of 95 with rent of $1,442/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Madison details → View New Haven details →

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