Cost of Living: Madison, WI vs Paradise, NV (2026)

Madison

Wisconsin
103
VS

Paradise

Nevada
99

Madison is 4% more expensive than Paradise.

$1,364/mo ↑ 6%
Median Rent
$1,287/mo ↓ 6%
$76,983/yr ↑ 31%
Median Income
$58,874/yr ↓ 24%
$346,900 ↓ 3%
Home Value
$358,400 ↑ 3%
$1,476/mo ↑ 14%
Owner Costs
$1,290/mo ↓ 13%
275,568
Population
186,178

Tax Comparison

7.65%
Income Tax
0%
5.0%
State Sales Tax
6.85%
1.61%
Property Tax
0.53%

Affordability

21.3%
rent-to-income
Affordability
26.2%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Madison, WI and Paradise, NV, the overall cost of living indices are 103 and 99 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $77/month cheaper in Paradise, saving renters about $924/year.

Median household income is $18,109/year higher in Madison. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Madison is $346,900 compared to $358,400 in Paradise.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Madison vs Paradise — common questions

Is Madison or Paradise cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Paradise is cheaper to live in with an index of 99 compared to 103 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Madison and Paradise?
Median rent in Madison is $1,364/month and in Paradise it's $1,287/month — a difference of $77/month.
Which city has higher income, Madison or Paradise?
Median household income is $76,983 in Madison and $58,874 in Paradise. Median household income is $18,109/year higher in Madison.
How do taxes compare between Wisconsin and Nevada?
Wisconsin has 7.65% income tax, 5.0% sales tax, and 1.61% property tax. Nevada has 0% income tax, 6.85% sales tax, and 0.53% property tax.
Should I move to Madison or Paradise?
It depends on your priorities. Madison has a cost index of 103 with median rent of $1,364/mo, while Paradise has a cost index of 99 with rent of $1,287/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
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