Cost of Living: Madison, WI vs Rochester, NY (2026)

Madison

Wisconsin
103
VS

Rochester

New York
61

Madison is 69% more expensive than Rochester.

$1,364/mo ↑ 31%
Median Rent
$1,039/mo ↓ 24%
$76,983/yr ↑ 65%
Median Income
$46,628/yr ↓ 39%
$346,900 ↑ 188%
Home Value
$120,600 ↓ 65%
$1,476/mo ↑ 46%
Owner Costs
$1,009/mo ↓ 32%
275,568
Population
209,720

Tax Comparison

7.65%
Income Tax
10.9%
5.0%
State Sales Tax
4.0%
1.61%
Property Tax
1.62%

Affordability

21.3%
rent-to-income
Affordability
26.7%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Madison, WI and Rochester, NY, the overall cost of living indices are 103 and 61 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $325/month cheaper in Rochester, saving renters about $3,900/year.

Median household income is $30,355/year higher in Madison. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Madison is $346,900 compared to $120,600 in Rochester.

Wisconsin has a lower income tax rate, making Madison slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Madison vs Rochester — common questions

Is Madison or Rochester cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Rochester is cheaper to live in with an index of 61 compared to 103 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Madison and Rochester?
Median rent in Madison is $1,364/month and in Rochester it's $1,039/month — a difference of $325/month.
Which city has higher income, Madison or Rochester?
Median household income is $76,983 in Madison and $46,628 in Rochester. Median household income is $30,355/year higher in Madison.
How do taxes compare between Wisconsin and New York?
Wisconsin has 7.65% income tax, 5.0% sales tax, and 1.61% property tax. New York has 10.9% income tax, 4.0% sales tax, and 1.62% property tax.
Should I move to Madison or Rochester?
It depends on your priorities. Madison has a cost index of 103 with median rent of $1,364/mo, while Rochester has a cost index of 61 with rent of $1,039/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Madison details → View Rochester details →

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