Cost of Living: Madison, WI vs Salem, OR (2026)

Madison

Wisconsin
103
VS

Salem

Oregon
105

Madison and Salem have a similar cost of living.

$1,364/mo ↑ 3%
Median Rent
$1,323/mo ↓ 3%
$76,983/yr ↑ 7%
Median Income
$71,900/yr ↓ 7%
$346,900 ↓ 9%
Home Value
$382,400 ↑ 10%
$1,476/mo ↑ 2%
Owner Costs
$1,440/mo ↓ 2%
275,568
Population
176,666

Tax Comparison

7.65%
Income Tax
9.9%
5.0%
State Sales Tax
0%
1.61%
Property Tax
0.93%

Affordability

21.3%
rent-to-income
Affordability
22.1%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Madison, WI and Salem, OR, the overall cost of living indices are 103 and 105 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is comparable in both cities, with less than $50/month separating them.

Median household income is $5,083/year higher in Madison. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Madison is $346,900 compared to $382,400 in Salem.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Madison vs Salem — common questions

Is Madison or Salem cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Madison is cheaper to live in with an index of 103 compared to 105 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Madison and Salem?
Median rent in Madison is $1,364/month and in Salem it's $1,323/month — a difference of $41/month.
Which city has higher income, Madison or Salem?
Median household income is $76,983 in Madison and $71,900 in Salem. Median household income is $5,083/year higher in Madison.
How do taxes compare between Wisconsin and Oregon?
Wisconsin has 7.65% income tax, 5.0% sales tax, and 1.61% property tax. Oregon has 9.9% income tax, 0% sales tax, and 0.93% property tax.
Should I move to Madison or Salem?
It depends on your priorities. Madison has a cost index of 103 with median rent of $1,364/mo, while Salem has a cost index of 105 with rent of $1,323/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
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