Cost of Living: Madison, WI vs Spokane, WA (2026)

Madison

Wisconsin
103
VS

Spokane

Washington
90

Madison is 14% more expensive than Spokane.

$1,364/mo ↑ 20%
Median Rent
$1,141/mo ↓ 16%
$76,983/yr ↑ 17%
Median Income
$65,745/yr ↓ 15%
$346,900 ↑ 6%
Home Value
$326,200 ↓ 6%
$1,476/mo ↑ 22%
Owner Costs
$1,213/mo ↓ 18%
275,568
Population
229,228

Tax Comparison

7.65%
Income Tax
0%
5.0%
State Sales Tax
6.5%
1.61%
Property Tax
0.92%

Affordability

21.3%
rent-to-income
Affordability
20.8%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Madison, WI and Spokane, WA, the overall cost of living indices are 103 and 90 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $223/month cheaper in Spokane, saving renters about $2,676/year.

Median household income is $11,238/year higher in Madison. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Madison is $346,900 compared to $326,200 in Spokane.

Washington has no state income tax, giving Spokane residents a significant tax advantage over Wisconsin's 7.65% rate.

Frequently Asked Questions

Madison vs Spokane — common questions

Is Madison or Spokane cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Spokane is cheaper to live in with an index of 90 compared to 103 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Madison and Spokane?
Median rent in Madison is $1,364/month and in Spokane it's $1,141/month — a difference of $223/month.
Which city has higher income, Madison or Spokane?
Median household income is $76,983 in Madison and $65,745 in Spokane. Median household income is $11,238/year higher in Madison.
How do taxes compare between Wisconsin and Washington?
Wisconsin has 7.65% income tax, 5.0% sales tax, and 1.61% property tax. Washington has 0% income tax, 6.5% sales tax, and 0.92% property tax.
Should I move to Madison or Spokane?
It depends on your priorities. Madison has a cost index of 103 with median rent of $1,364/mo, while Spokane has a cost index of 90 with rent of $1,141/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Madison details → View Spokane details →

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