Cost of Living: Madison, WI vs Stamford, CT (2026)

Madison

Wisconsin
103
VS

Stamford

Connecticut
172

Madison is 40% cheaper than Stamford.

$1,364/mo ↓ 38%
Median Rent
$2,207/mo ↑ 62%
$76,983/yr ↓ 28%
Median Income
$107,474/yr ↑ 40%
$346,900 ↓ 44%
Home Value
$614,300 ↑ 77%
$1,476/mo ↓ 37%
Owner Costs
$2,358/mo ↑ 60%
275,568
Population
135,806

Tax Comparison

7.65%
Income Tax
6.99%
5.0%
State Sales Tax
6.35%
1.61%
Property Tax
2.15%

Affordability

21.3%
rent-to-income
Affordability
24.6%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Madison, WI and Stamford, CT, the overall cost of living indices are 103 and 172 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $843/month cheaper in Madison, saving renters about $10,116/year.

Median household income is $30,491/year higher in Stamford. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Madison is $346,900 compared to $614,300 in Stamford.

Connecticut has a lower income tax rate, making Stamford slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Madison vs Stamford — common questions

Is Madison or Stamford cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Madison is cheaper to live in with an index of 103 compared to 172 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Madison and Stamford?
Median rent in Madison is $1,364/month and in Stamford it's $2,207/month — a difference of $843/month.
Which city has higher income, Madison or Stamford?
Median household income is $76,983 in Madison and $107,474 in Stamford. Median household income is $30,491/year higher in Stamford.
How do taxes compare between Wisconsin and Connecticut?
Wisconsin has 7.65% income tax, 5.0% sales tax, and 1.61% property tax. Connecticut has 6.99% income tax, 6.35% sales tax, and 2.15% property tax.
Should I move to Madison or Stamford?
It depends on your priorities. Madison has a cost index of 103 with median rent of $1,364/mo, while Stamford has a cost index of 172 with rent of $2,207/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Madison details → View Stamford details →

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