Cost of Living: Madison, WI vs Salt Lake City, UT (2026)

Madison

Wisconsin
103
VS

Salt Lake City

Utah
117

Madison is 12% cheaper than Salt Lake City.

$1,364/mo ↑ 2%
Median Rent
$1,343/mo ↓ 2%
$76,983/yr ↑ 3%
Median Income
$74,925/yr ↓ 3%
$346,900 ↓ 30%
Home Value
$495,700 ↑ 43%
$1,476/mo ↑ 6%
Owner Costs
$1,394/mo ↓ 6%
275,568
Population
203,888

Tax Comparison

7.65%
Income Tax
4.65%
5.0%
State Sales Tax
6.1%
1.61%
Property Tax
0.58%

Affordability

21.3%
rent-to-income
Affordability
21.5%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Madison, WI and Salt Lake City, UT, the overall cost of living indices are 103 and 117 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is comparable in both cities, with less than $50/month separating them.

Median household income is $2,058/year higher in Madison. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Madison is $346,900 compared to $495,700 in Salt Lake City.

Utah has a lower income tax rate, making Salt Lake City slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Madison vs Salt Lake City — common questions

Is Madison or Salt Lake City cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Madison is cheaper to live in with an index of 103 compared to 117 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Madison and Salt Lake City?
Median rent in Madison is $1,364/month and in Salt Lake City it's $1,343/month — a difference of $21/month.
Which city has higher income, Madison or Salt Lake City?
Median household income is $76,983 in Madison and $74,925 in Salt Lake City. Median household income is $2,058/year higher in Madison.
How do taxes compare between Wisconsin and Utah?
Wisconsin has 7.65% income tax, 5.0% sales tax, and 1.61% property tax. Utah has 4.65% income tax, 6.1% sales tax, and 0.58% property tax.
Should I move to Madison or Salt Lake City?
It depends on your priorities. Madison has a cost index of 103 with median rent of $1,364/mo, while Salt Lake City has a cost index of 117 with rent of $1,343/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Madison details → View Salt Lake City details →

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