Cost of Living: Madison, WI vs Scottsdale, AZ (2026)

Madison

Wisconsin
103
VS

Scottsdale

Arizona
165

Madison is 38% cheaper than Scottsdale.

$1,364/mo ↓ 29%
Median Rent
$1,910/mo ↑ 40%
$76,983/yr ↓ 28%
Median Income
$107,372/yr ↑ 39%
$346,900 ↓ 51%
Home Value
$709,900 ↑ 105%
$1,476/mo ↓ 19%
Owner Costs
$1,824/mo ↑ 24%
275,568
Population
242,169

Tax Comparison

7.65%
Income Tax
2.5%
5.0%
State Sales Tax
5.6%
1.61%
Property Tax
0.62%

Affordability

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

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Madison, WI and Scottsdale, AZ, the overall cost of living indices are 103 and 165 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $546/month cheaper in Madison, saving renters about $6,552/year.

Median household income is $30,389/year higher in Scottsdale. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Madison is $346,900 compared to $709,900 in Scottsdale.

Arizona has a lower income tax rate, making Scottsdale slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Madison vs Scottsdale — common questions

Is Madison or Scottsdale cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Madison is cheaper to live in with an index of 103 compared to 165 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Madison and Scottsdale?
Median rent in Madison is $1,364/month and in Scottsdale it's $1,910/month — a difference of $546/month.
Which city has higher income, Madison or Scottsdale?
Median household income is $76,983 in Madison and $107,372 in Scottsdale. Median household income is $30,389/year higher in Scottsdale.
How do taxes compare between Wisconsin and Arizona?
Wisconsin has 7.65% income tax, 5.0% sales tax, and 1.61% property tax. Arizona has 2.5% income tax, 5.6% sales tax, and 0.62% property tax.
Should I move to Madison or Scottsdale?
It depends on your priorities. Madison has a cost index of 103 with median rent of $1,364/mo, while Scottsdale has a cost index of 165 with rent of $1,910/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
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