Cost of Living: Madison, WI vs Warren, MI (2026)

Madison

Wisconsin
103
VS

Warren

Michigan
73

Madison is 41% more expensive than Warren.

$1,364/mo ↑ 15%
Median Rent
$1,184/mo ↓ 13%
$76,983/yr ↑ 21%
Median Income
$63,741/yr ↓ 17%
$346,900 ↑ 91%
Home Value
$181,900 ↓ 48%
$1,476/mo ↑ 34%
Owner Costs
$1,098/mo ↓ 26%
275,568
Population
138,128

Tax Comparison

7.65%
Income Tax
4.25%
5.0%
State Sales Tax
6.0%
1.61%
Property Tax
1.38%

Affordability

21.3%
rent-to-income
Affordability
22.3%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Madison, WI and Warren, MI, the overall cost of living indices are 103 and 73 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $180/month cheaper in Warren, saving renters about $2,160/year.

Median household income is $13,242/year higher in Madison. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Madison is $346,900 compared to $181,900 in Warren.

Michigan has a lower income tax rate, making Warren slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Madison vs Warren — common questions

Is Madison or Warren cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Warren is cheaper to live in with an index of 73 compared to 103 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Madison and Warren?
Median rent in Madison is $1,364/month and in Warren it's $1,184/month — a difference of $180/month.
Which city has higher income, Madison or Warren?
Median household income is $76,983 in Madison and $63,741 in Warren. Median household income is $13,242/year higher in Madison.
How do taxes compare between Wisconsin and Michigan?
Wisconsin has 7.65% income tax, 5.0% sales tax, and 1.61% property tax. Michigan has 4.25% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 1.38% property tax.
Should I move to Madison or Warren?
It depends on your priorities. Madison has a cost index of 103 with median rent of $1,364/mo, while Warren has a cost index of 73 with rent of $1,184/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Madison details → View Warren details →

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