Cost of Living: Madison, WI vs Springfield, IL (2026)

Madison

Wisconsin
103
VS

Springfield

Illinois
61

Madison is 69% more expensive than Springfield.

$1,364/mo ↑ 44%
Median Rent
$945/mo ↓ 31%
$76,983/yr ↑ 17%
Median Income
$65,537/yr ↓ 15%
$346,900 ↑ 124%
Home Value
$155,200 ↓ 55%
$1,476/mo ↑ 52%
Owner Costs
$974/mo ↓ 34%
275,568
Population
113,714

Tax Comparison

7.65%
Income Tax
4.95%
5.0%
State Sales Tax
6.25%
1.61%
Property Tax
2.07%

Affordability

21.3%
rent-to-income
Affordability
17.3%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Madison, WI and Springfield, IL, the overall cost of living indices are 103 and 61 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $419/month cheaper in Springfield, saving renters about $5,028/year.

Median household income is $11,446/year higher in Madison. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Madison is $346,900 compared to $155,200 in Springfield.

Illinois has a lower income tax rate, making Springfield slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Madison vs Springfield — common questions

Is Madison or Springfield cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Springfield is cheaper to live in with an index of 61 compared to 103 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Madison and Springfield?
Median rent in Madison is $1,364/month and in Springfield it's $945/month — a difference of $419/month.
Which city has higher income, Madison or Springfield?
Median household income is $76,983 in Madison and $65,537 in Springfield. Median household income is $11,446/year higher in Madison.
How do taxes compare between Wisconsin and Illinois?
Wisconsin has 7.65% income tax, 5.0% sales tax, and 1.61% property tax. Illinois has 4.95% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 2.07% property tax.
Should I move to Madison or Springfield?
It depends on your priorities. Madison has a cost index of 103 with median rent of $1,364/mo, while Springfield has a cost index of 61 with rent of $945/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Madison details → View Springfield details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Madison and Springfield

Madison vs. Buffalo Madison vs. Chula Vista Madison vs. Chandler Madison vs. Gilbert Madison vs. Plano Madison vs. North Las Vegas Springfield vs. Odessa Springfield vs. Beaumont Springfield vs. Elgin Springfield vs. Gresham Springfield vs. Provo Springfield vs. Las Cruces