Cost of Living: Madison, WI vs Tacoma, WA (2026)

Madison

Wisconsin
103
VS

Tacoma

Washington
126

Madison is 18% cheaper than Tacoma.

$1,364/mo ↓ 15%
Median Rent
$1,597/mo ↑ 17%
$76,983/yr ↓ 8%
Median Income
$83,857/yr ↑ 9%
$346,900 ↓ 24%
Home Value
$454,600 ↑ 31%
$1,476/mo ↓ 16%
Owner Costs
$1,747/mo ↑ 18%
275,568
Population
220,482

Tax Comparison

7.65%
Income Tax
0%
5.0%
State Sales Tax
6.5%
1.61%
Property Tax
0.92%

Affordability

21.3%
rent-to-income
Affordability
22.9%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Madison, WI and Tacoma, WA, the overall cost of living indices are 103 and 126 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $233/month cheaper in Madison, saving renters about $2,796/year.

Median household income is $6,874/year higher in Tacoma. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Madison is $346,900 compared to $454,600 in Tacoma.

Washington has no state income tax, giving Tacoma residents a significant tax advantage over Wisconsin's 7.65% rate.

Frequently Asked Questions

Madison vs Tacoma — common questions

Is Madison or Tacoma 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 Tacoma?
Median rent in Madison is $1,364/month and in Tacoma it's $1,597/month — a difference of $233/month.
Which city has higher income, Madison or Tacoma?
Median household income is $76,983 in Madison and $83,857 in Tacoma. Median household income is $6,874/year higher in Tacoma.
How do taxes compare between Wisconsin and Washington?
Wisconsin has 7.65% income tax, 5.0% sales tax, and 1.61% property tax. Washington has 0% income tax, 6.5% sales tax, and 0.92% property tax.
Should I move to Madison or Tacoma?
It depends on your priorities. Madison has a cost index of 103 with median rent of $1,364/mo, while Tacoma has a cost index of 126 with rent of $1,597/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
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