Cost of Living: Madison, WI vs Tallahassee, FL (2026)

Madison

Wisconsin
103
VS

Tallahassee

Florida
87

Madison is 18% more expensive than Tallahassee.

$1,364/mo ↑ 10%
Median Rent
$1,238/mo ↓ 9%
$76,983/yr ↑ 38%
Median Income
$55,931/yr ↓ 27%
$346,900 ↑ 26%
Home Value
$276,000 ↓ 20%
$1,476/mo ↑ 19%
Owner Costs
$1,237/mo ↓ 16%
275,568
Population
199,696

Tax Comparison

7.65%
Income Tax
0%
5.0%
State Sales Tax
6.0%
1.61%
Property Tax
0.86%

Affordability

21.3%
rent-to-income
Affordability
26.6%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Madison, WI and Tallahassee, FL, the overall cost of living indices are 103 and 87 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $126/month cheaper in Tallahassee, saving renters about $1,512/year.

Median household income is $21,052/year higher in Madison. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Madison is $346,900 compared to $276,000 in Tallahassee.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Madison vs Tallahassee — common questions

Is Madison or Tallahassee cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Tallahassee is cheaper to live in with an index of 87 compared to 103 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Madison and Tallahassee?
Median rent in Madison is $1,364/month and in Tallahassee it's $1,238/month — a difference of $126/month.
Which city has higher income, Madison or Tallahassee?
Median household income is $76,983 in Madison and $55,931 in Tallahassee. Median household income is $21,052/year higher in Madison.
How do taxes compare between Wisconsin and Florida?
Wisconsin has 7.65% income tax, 5.0% sales tax, and 1.61% property tax. Florida has 0% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 0.86% property tax.
Should I move to Madison or Tallahassee?
It depends on your priorities. Madison has a cost index of 103 with median rent of $1,364/mo, while Tallahassee has a cost index of 87 with rent of $1,238/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Madison details → View Tallahassee details →

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