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

Madison

Wisconsin
103
VS

Tyler

Texas
79

Madison is 30% more expensive than Tyler.

$1,364/mo ↑ 14%
Median Rent
$1,199/mo ↓ 12%
$76,983/yr ↑ 17%
Median Income
$65,527/yr ↓ 15%
$346,900 ↑ 60%
Home Value
$216,400 ↓ 38%
$1,476/mo ↑ 26%
Owner Costs
$1,170/mo ↓ 21%
275,568
Population
107,718

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
22.0%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Madison, WI and Tyler, TX, the overall cost of living indices are 103 and 79 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $165/month cheaper in Tyler, saving renters about $1,980/year.

Median household income is $11,456/year higher in Madison. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Madison is $346,900 compared to $216,400 in Tyler.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Madison vs Tyler — common questions

Is Madison or Tyler cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Tyler is cheaper to live in with an index of 79 compared to 103 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Madison and Tyler?
Median rent in Madison is $1,364/month and in Tyler it's $1,199/month — a difference of $165/month.
Which city has higher income, Madison or Tyler?
Median household income is $76,983 in Madison and $65,527 in Tyler. Median household income is $11,456/year higher in Madison.
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 Tyler?
It depends on your priorities. Madison has a cost index of 103 with median rent of $1,364/mo, while Tyler has a cost index of 79 with rent of $1,199/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Madison details → View Tyler details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Madison and Tyler

Madison vs. Buffalo Madison vs. Chula Vista Madison vs. Chandler Madison vs. Gilbert Madison vs. Plano Madison vs. North Las Vegas Tyler vs. Riverview Tyler vs. Tuscaloosa Tyler vs. Dearborn Tyler vs. Allen Tyler vs. Sparks Tyler vs. New York