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

Madison

Wisconsin
103
VS

Round Rock

Texas
122

Madison is 16% cheaper than Round Rock.

$1,364/mo ↓ 20%
Median Rent
$1,713/mo ↑ 26%
$76,983/yr ↓ 21%
Median Income
$97,187/yr ↑ 26%
$346,900 ↓ 10%
Home Value
$383,700 ↑ 11%
$1,476/mo ↓ 17%
Owner Costs
$1,781/mo ↑ 21%
275,568
Population
124,288

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
21.2%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Madison, WI and Round Rock, TX, the overall cost of living indices are 103 and 122 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $349/month cheaper in Madison, saving renters about $4,188/year.

Median household income is $20,204/year higher in Round Rock. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Madison is $346,900 compared to $383,700 in Round Rock.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Madison vs Round Rock — common questions

Is Madison or Round Rock 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 Round Rock?
Median rent in Madison is $1,364/month and in Round Rock it's $1,713/month — a difference of $349/month.
Which city has higher income, Madison or Round Rock?
Median household income is $76,983 in Madison and $97,187 in Round Rock. Median household income is $20,204/year higher in Round Rock.
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 Round Rock?
It depends on your priorities. Madison has a cost index of 103 with median rent of $1,364/mo, while Round Rock has a cost index of 122 with rent of $1,713/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
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