Cost of Living: Madison, WI vs Toledo, OH (2026)

Madison

Wisconsin
103
VS

Toledo

Ohio
52

Madison is 51% more expensive than Toledo.

$1,364/mo ↑ 55%
Median Rent
$880/mo ↓ 35%
$76,983/yr ↑ 62%
Median Income
$47,532/yr ↓ 38%
$346,900 ↑ 224%
Home Value
$107,000 ↓ 69%
$1,476/mo ↑ 72%
Owner Costs
$856/mo ↓ 42%
275,568
Population
268,461

Tax Comparison

7.65%
Income Tax
3.5%
5.0%
Sales Tax
5.75%
1.61%
Property Tax
1.53%

Affordability

21.3%
rent-to-income
Affordability
22.2%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Madison, WI and Toledo, OH, the overall cost of living indices are 103 and 52 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $484/month cheaper in Toledo, saving renters about $5,808/year.

Median household income is $29,451/year higher in Madison. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Madison is $346,900 compared to $107,000 in Toledo.

Ohio has a lower income tax rate, making Toledo slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Madison vs Toledo — common questions

Is Madison or Toledo cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Toledo is cheaper to live in with an index of 52 compared to 103 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Madison and Toledo?
Median rent in Madison is $1,364/month and in Toledo it's $880/month — a difference of $484/month.
Which city has higher income, Madison or Toledo?
Median household income is $76,983 in Madison and $47,532 in Toledo. Median household income is $29,451/year higher in Madison.
How do taxes compare between Wisconsin and Ohio?
Wisconsin has 7.65% income tax, 5.0% sales tax, and 1.61% property tax. Ohio has 3.5% income tax, 5.75% sales tax, and 1.53% property tax.
Should I move to Madison or Toledo?
It depends on your priorities. Madison has a cost index of 103 with median rent of $1,364/mo, while Toledo has a cost index of 52 with rent of $880/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
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