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

Madison

Wisconsin
103
VS

Springfield

Massachusetts
79

Madison is 30% more expensive than Springfield.

$1,364/mo ↑ 22%
Median Rent
$1,114/mo ↓ 18%
$76,983/yr ↑ 50%
Median Income
$51,339/yr ↓ 33%
$346,900 ↑ 56%
Home Value
$222,700 ↓ 36%
$1,476/mo ↑ 16%
Owner Costs
$1,276/mo ↓ 14%
275,568
Population
154,751

Tax Comparison

7.65%
Income Tax
9.0%
5.0%
State Sales Tax
6.25%
1.61%
Property Tax
1.15%

Affordability

21.3%
rent-to-income
Affordability
26.0%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Madison, WI and Springfield, MA, the overall cost of living indices are 103 and 79 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $250/month cheaper in Springfield, saving renters about $3,000/year.

Median household income is $25,644/year higher in Madison. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Madison is $346,900 compared to $222,700 in Springfield.

Wisconsin has a lower income tax rate, making Madison 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 79 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 $1,114/month — a difference of $250/month.
Which city has higher income, Madison or Springfield?
Median household income is $76,983 in Madison and $51,339 in Springfield. Median household income is $25,644/year higher in Madison.
How do taxes compare between Wisconsin and Massachusetts?
Wisconsin has 7.65% income tax, 5.0% sales tax, and 1.61% property tax. Massachusetts has 9.0% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 1.15% 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 79 with rent of $1,114/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Madison details → View Springfield details →

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