Cost of Living: Madison, WI vs Sugar Land, TX (2026)

Madison

Wisconsin
103
VS

Sugar Land

Texas
135

Madison is 24% cheaper than Sugar Land.

$1,364/mo ↓ 30%
Median Rent
$1,939/mo ↑ 42%
$76,983/yr ↓ 44%
Median Income
$137,511/yr ↑ 79%
$346,900 ↓ 15%
Home Value
$406,600 ↑ 17%
$1,476/mo ↓ 25%
Owner Costs
$1,969/mo ↑ 33%
275,568
Population
109,735

Tax Comparison

7.65%
Income Tax
0%
5.0%
State Sales Tax
6.25%
1.61%
Property Tax
1.6%

Affordability

21.3%
rent-to-income
Affordability
16.9%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Madison, WI and Sugar Land, TX, the overall cost of living indices are 103 and 135 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $575/month cheaper in Madison, saving renters about $6,900/year.

Median household income is $60,528/year higher in Sugar Land. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Madison is $346,900 compared to $406,600 in Sugar Land.

Texas has no state income tax, giving Sugar Land residents a significant tax advantage over Wisconsin's 7.65% rate.

Frequently Asked Questions

Madison vs Sugar Land — common questions

Is Madison or Sugar Land cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Madison is cheaper to live in with an index of 103 compared to 135 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Madison and Sugar Land?
Median rent in Madison is $1,364/month and in Sugar Land it's $1,939/month — a difference of $575/month.
Which city has higher income, Madison or Sugar Land?
Median household income is $76,983 in Madison and $137,511 in Sugar Land. Median household income is $60,528/year higher in Sugar Land.
How do taxes compare between Wisconsin and Texas?
Wisconsin has 7.65% income tax, 5.0% sales tax, and 1.61% property tax. Texas has 0% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 1.6% property tax.
Should I move to Madison or Sugar Land?
It depends on your priorities. Madison has a cost index of 103 with median rent of $1,364/mo, while Sugar Land has a cost index of 135 with rent of $1,939/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
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