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

Madison

Wisconsin
103
VS

Pasadena

Texas
76

Madison is 36% more expensive than Pasadena.

$1,364/mo ↑ 14%
Median Rent
$1,201/mo ↓ 12%
$76,983/yr ↑ 20%
Median Income
$64,270/yr ↓ 17%
$346,900 ↑ 79%
Home Value
$193,600 ↓ 44%
$1,476/mo ↑ 29%
Owner Costs
$1,141/mo ↓ 23%
275,568
Population
149,345

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
22.4%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Madison, WI and Pasadena, TX, the overall cost of living indices are 103 and 76 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $163/month cheaper in Pasadena, saving renters about $1,956/year.

Median household income is $12,713/year higher in Madison. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Madison is $346,900 compared to $193,600 in Pasadena.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Madison vs Pasadena — common questions

Is Madison or Pasadena cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Pasadena is cheaper to live in with an index of 76 compared to 103 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Madison and Pasadena?
Median rent in Madison is $1,364/month and in Pasadena it's $1,201/month — a difference of $163/month.
Which city has higher income, Madison or Pasadena?
Median household income is $76,983 in Madison and $64,270 in Pasadena. Median household income is $12,713/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 Pasadena?
It depends on your priorities. Madison has a cost index of 103 with median rent of $1,364/mo, while Pasadena has a cost index of 76 with rent of $1,201/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Madison details → View Pasadena details →

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