Cost of Living: Madison, WI vs St. Petersburg, FL (2026)

Madison

Wisconsin
103
VS

St. Petersburg

Florida
106

Madison is 3% cheaper than St. Petersburg.

$1,364/mo ↓ 12%
Median Rent
$1,542/mo ↑ 13%
$76,983/yr ↑ 5%
Median Income
$73,118/yr ↓ 5%
$346,900 ↑ 5%
Home Value
$331,500 ↓ 4%
$1,476/mo ↑ 3%
Owner Costs
$1,435/mo ↓ 3%
275,568
Population
260,646

Tax Comparison

7.65%
Income Tax
0%
5.0%
State Sales Tax
6.0%
1.61%
Property Tax
0.86%

Affordability

21.3%
rent-to-income
Affordability
25.3%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Madison, WI and St. Petersburg, FL, the overall cost of living indices are 103 and 106 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $178/month cheaper in Madison, saving renters about $2,136/year.

Median household income is $3,865/year higher in Madison. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Madison is $346,900 compared to $331,500 in St. Petersburg.

Florida has no state income tax, giving St. Petersburg residents a significant tax advantage over Wisconsin's 7.65% rate.

Frequently Asked Questions

Madison vs St. Petersburg — common questions

Is Madison or St. Petersburg cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Madison is cheaper to live in with an index of 103 compared to 106 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Madison and St. Petersburg?
Median rent in Madison is $1,364/month and in St. Petersburg it's $1,542/month — a difference of $178/month.
Which city has higher income, Madison or St. Petersburg?
Median household income is $76,983 in Madison and $73,118 in St. Petersburg. Median household income is $3,865/year higher in Madison.
How do taxes compare between Wisconsin and Florida?
Wisconsin has 7.65% income tax, 5.0% sales tax, and 1.61% property tax. Florida has 0% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 0.86% property tax.
Should I move to Madison or St. Petersburg?
It depends on your priorities. Madison has a cost index of 103 with median rent of $1,364/mo, while St. Petersburg has a cost index of 106 with rent of $1,542/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Madison details → View St. Petersburg details →

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