Cost of Living: Madison, WI vs Syracuse, NY (2026)

Madison

Wisconsin
103
VS

Syracuse

New York
59

Madison is 75% more expensive than Syracuse.

$1,364/mo ↑ 37%
Median Rent
$998/mo ↓ 27%
$76,983/yr ↑ 68%
Median Income
$45,845/yr ↓ 40%
$346,900 ↑ 177%
Home Value
$125,100 ↓ 64%
$1,476/mo ↑ 51%
Owner Costs
$980/mo ↓ 34%
275,568
Population
146,211

Tax Comparison

7.65%
Income Tax
10.9%
5.0%
State Sales Tax
4.0%
1.61%
Property Tax
1.62%

Affordability

21.3%
rent-to-income
Affordability
26.1%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Madison, WI and Syracuse, NY, the overall cost of living indices are 103 and 59 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $366/month cheaper in Syracuse, saving renters about $4,392/year.

Median household income is $31,138/year higher in Madison. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Madison is $346,900 compared to $125,100 in Syracuse.

Wisconsin has a lower income tax rate, making Madison slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Madison vs Syracuse — common questions

Is Madison or Syracuse cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Syracuse is cheaper to live in with an index of 59 compared to 103 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Madison and Syracuse?
Median rent in Madison is $1,364/month and in Syracuse it's $998/month — a difference of $366/month.
Which city has higher income, Madison or Syracuse?
Median household income is $76,983 in Madison and $45,845 in Syracuse. Median household income is $31,138/year higher in Madison.
How do taxes compare between Wisconsin and New York?
Wisconsin has 7.65% income tax, 5.0% sales tax, and 1.61% property tax. New York has 10.9% income tax, 4.0% sales tax, and 1.62% property tax.
Should I move to Madison or Syracuse?
It depends on your priorities. Madison has a cost index of 103 with median rent of $1,364/mo, while Syracuse has a cost index of 59 with rent of $998/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Madison details → View Syracuse details →

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