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

Madison

Wisconsin
103
VS

Pearland

Texas
121

Madison is 15% cheaper than Pearland.

$1,364/mo ↓ 22%
Median Rent
$1,759/mo ↑ 29%
$76,983/yr ↓ 32%
Median Income
$112,470/yr ↑ 46%
$346,900 ↑ 5%
Home Value
$330,900 ↓ 5%
$1,476/mo ↓ 25%
Owner Costs
$1,962/mo ↑ 33%
275,568
Population
125,983

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
18.8%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Madison, WI and Pearland, TX, the overall cost of living indices are 103 and 121 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $395/month cheaper in Madison, saving renters about $4,740/year.

Median household income is $35,487/year higher in Pearland. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Madison is $346,900 compared to $330,900 in Pearland.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Madison vs Pearland — common questions

Is Madison or Pearland cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Madison is cheaper to live in with an index of 103 compared to 121 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Madison and Pearland?
Median rent in Madison is $1,364/month and in Pearland it's $1,759/month — a difference of $395/month.
Which city has higher income, Madison or Pearland?
Median household income is $76,983 in Madison and $112,470 in Pearland. Median household income is $35,487/year higher in Pearland.
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 Pearland?
It depends on your priorities. Madison has a cost index of 103 with median rent of $1,364/mo, while Pearland has a cost index of 121 with rent of $1,759/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Madison details → View Pearland details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Madison and Pearland

Madison vs. Buffalo Madison vs. Chula Vista Madison vs. Chandler Madison vs. Gilbert Madison vs. Plano Madison vs. North Las Vegas Pearland vs. Topeka Pearland vs. Simi Valley Pearland vs. Athens Pearland vs. Thousand Oaks Pearland vs. Abilene Pearland vs. Allentown