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

Madison

Wisconsin
103
VS

Reno

Nevada
122

Madison is 19% cheaper than Reno.

$1,364/mo ↓ 6%
Median Rent
$1,453/mo ↑ 7%
$76,983/yr ↓ 2%
Median Income
$78,448/yr ↑ 2%
$346,900 ↓ 30%
Home Value
$498,600 ↑ 44%
$1,476/mo ≈ Same
Owner Costs
$1,482/mo ≈ Same
275,568
Population
268,959

Tax Comparison

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

Affordability

21.3%
rent-to-income
Affordability
22.2%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Madison, WI and Reno, NV, the overall cost of living indices are 103 and 122 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $89/month cheaper in Madison, saving renters about $1,068/year.

Median household income is $1,465/year higher in Reno. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Madison is $346,900 compared to $498,600 in Reno.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Madison vs Reno — common questions

Is Madison or Reno cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Madison is cheaper to live in with an index of 103 compared to 122 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Madison and Reno?
Median rent in Madison is $1,364/month and in Reno it's $1,453/month — a difference of $89/month.
Which city has higher income, Madison or Reno?
Median household income is $76,983 in Madison and $78,448 in Reno. Median household income is $1,465/year higher in Reno.
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 Reno?
It depends on your priorities. Madison has a cost index of 103 with median rent of $1,364/mo, while Reno has a cost index of 122 with rent of $1,453/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Madison details → View Reno details →