Cost of Living: Madison, WI vs Peoria, AZ (2026)

Madison

Wisconsin
103
VS

Peoria

Arizona
125

Madison is 18% cheaper than Peoria.

$1,364/mo ↓ 22%
Median Rent
$1,743/mo ↑ 28%
$76,983/yr ↓ 18%
Median Income
$93,403/yr ↑ 21%
$346,900 ↓ 19%
Home Value
$429,400 ↑ 24%
$1,476/mo ↓ 7%
Owner Costs
$1,589/mo ↑ 8%
275,568
Population
194,338

Tax Comparison

7.65%
Income Tax
2.5%
5.0%
State Sales Tax
5.6%
1.61%
Property Tax
0.62%

Affordability

21.3%
rent-to-income
Affordability
22.4%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Madison, WI and Peoria, AZ, the overall cost of living indices are 103 and 125 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $379/month cheaper in Madison, saving renters about $4,548/year.

Median household income is $16,420/year higher in Peoria. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Madison is $346,900 compared to $429,400 in Peoria.

Arizona has a lower income tax rate, making Peoria slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Madison vs Peoria — common questions

Is Madison or Peoria cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Madison is cheaper to live in with an index of 103 compared to 125 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Madison and Peoria?
Median rent in Madison is $1,364/month and in Peoria it's $1,743/month — a difference of $379/month.
Which city has higher income, Madison or Peoria?
Median household income is $76,983 in Madison and $93,403 in Peoria. Median household income is $16,420/year higher in Peoria.
How do taxes compare between Wisconsin and Arizona?
Wisconsin has 7.65% income tax, 5.0% sales tax, and 1.61% property tax. Arizona has 2.5% income tax, 5.6% sales tax, and 0.62% property tax.
Should I move to Madison or Peoria?
It depends on your priorities. Madison has a cost index of 103 with median rent of $1,364/mo, while Peoria has a cost index of 125 with rent of $1,743/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
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