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

Madison

Wisconsin
103
VS

Richardson

Texas
128

Madison is 20% cheaper than Richardson.

$1,364/mo ↓ 25%
Median Rent
$1,825/mo ↑ 34%
$76,983/yr ↓ 20%
Median Income
$96,257/yr ↑ 25%
$346,900 ↓ 14%
Home Value
$405,600 ↑ 17%
$1,476/mo ↓ 18%
Owner Costs
$1,796/mo ↑ 22%
275,568
Population
118,269

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
22.8%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Madison, WI and Richardson, TX, the overall cost of living indices are 103 and 128 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $461/month cheaper in Madison, saving renters about $5,532/year.

Median household income is $19,274/year higher in Richardson. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Madison is $346,900 compared to $405,600 in Richardson.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Madison vs Richardson — common questions

Is Madison or Richardson cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Madison is cheaper to live in with an index of 103 compared to 128 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Madison and Richardson?
Median rent in Madison is $1,364/month and in Richardson it's $1,825/month — a difference of $461/month.
Which city has higher income, Madison or Richardson?
Median household income is $76,983 in Madison and $96,257 in Richardson. Median household income is $19,274/year higher in Richardson.
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 Richardson?
It depends on your priorities. Madison has a cost index of 103 with median rent of $1,364/mo, while Richardson has a cost index of 128 with rent of $1,825/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
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