Cost of Living: Madison, WI vs Surprise, AZ (2026)

Madison

Wisconsin
103
VS

Surprise

Arizona
126

Madison is 18% cheaper than Surprise.

$1,364/mo ↓ 29%
Median Rent
$1,917/mo ↑ 41%
$76,983/yr ↓ 18%
Median Income
$93,371/yr ↑ 21%
$346,900 ↓ 12%
Home Value
$396,000 ↑ 14%
$1,476/mo ↓ 7%
Owner Costs
$1,587/mo ↑ 8%
275,568
Population
149,519

Tax Comparison

7.65%
Income Tax
2.5%
5.0%
State Sales Tax
5.6%
1.61%
Property Tax
0.62%

Affordability

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

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Madison, WI and Surprise, AZ, the overall cost of living indices are 103 and 126 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $553/month cheaper in Madison, saving renters about $6,636/year.

Median household income is $16,388/year higher in Surprise. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Madison is $346,900 compared to $396,000 in Surprise.

Arizona has a lower income tax rate, making Surprise slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Madison vs Surprise — common questions

Is Madison or Surprise cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Madison is cheaper to live in with an index of 103 compared to 126 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Madison and Surprise?
Median rent in Madison is $1,364/month and in Surprise it's $1,917/month — a difference of $553/month.
Which city has higher income, Madison or Surprise?
Median household income is $76,983 in Madison and $93,371 in Surprise. Median household income is $16,388/year higher in Surprise.
How do taxes compare between Wisconsin and Arizona?
Wisconsin has 7.65% income tax, 5.0% sales tax, and 1.61% property tax. Arizona has 2.5% income tax, 5.6% sales tax, and 0.62% property tax.
Should I move to Madison or Surprise?
It depends on your priorities. Madison has a cost index of 103 with median rent of $1,364/mo, while Surprise has a cost index of 126 with rent of $1,917/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Madison details → View Surprise details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Madison and Surprise

Madison vs. Buffalo Madison vs. Chula Vista Madison vs. Chandler Madison vs. Gilbert Madison vs. Plano Madison vs. North Las Vegas Surprise vs. Joliet Surprise vs. Naperville Surprise vs. Jackson Surprise vs. Pasadena Surprise vs. Escondido Surprise vs. Mesquite