Cost of Living: Madison, WI vs The Woodlands, TX (2026)

Madison

Wisconsin
103
VS

The Woodlands

Texas
139

Madison is 26% cheaper than The Woodlands.

$1,364/mo ↓ 24%
Median Rent
$1,792/mo ↑ 31%
$76,983/yr ↓ 46%
Median Income
$141,353/yr ↑ 84%
$346,900 ↓ 28%
Home Value
$479,400 ↑ 38%
$1,476/mo ↓ 26%
Owner Costs
$2,005/mo ↑ 36%
275,568
Population
116,916

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
15.2%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Madison, WI and The Woodlands, TX, the overall cost of living indices are 103 and 139 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $428/month cheaper in Madison, saving renters about $5,136/year.

Median household income is $64,370/year higher in The Woodlands. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Madison is $346,900 compared to $479,400 in The Woodlands.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Madison vs The Woodlands — common questions

Is Madison or The Woodlands cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Madison is cheaper to live in with an index of 103 compared to 139 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Madison and The Woodlands?
Median rent in Madison is $1,364/month and in The Woodlands it's $1,792/month — a difference of $428/month.
Which city has higher income, Madison or The Woodlands?
Median household income is $76,983 in Madison and $141,353 in The Woodlands. Median household income is $64,370/year higher in The Woodlands.
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 The Woodlands?
It depends on your priorities. Madison has a cost index of 103 with median rent of $1,364/mo, while The Woodlands has a cost index of 139 with rent of $1,792/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
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