Cost of Living: Madison, WI vs West Palm Beach, FL (2026)

Madison

Wisconsin
103
VS

West Palm Beach

Florida
119

Madison is 13% cheaper than West Palm Beach.

$1,364/mo ↓ 20%
Median Rent
$1,709/mo ↑ 25%
$76,983/yr ↑ 11%
Median Income
$69,261/yr ↓ 10%
$346,900 ↓ 6%
Home Value
$369,800 ↑ 7%
$1,476/mo ↓ 11%
Owner Costs
$1,667/mo ↑ 13%
275,568
Population
119,508

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
29.6%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Madison, WI and West Palm Beach, FL, the overall cost of living indices are 103 and 119 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $345/month cheaper in Madison, saving renters about $4,140/year.

Median household income is $7,722/year higher in Madison. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Madison is $346,900 compared to $369,800 in West Palm Beach.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Madison vs West Palm Beach — common questions

Is Madison or West Palm Beach cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Madison is cheaper to live in with an index of 103 compared to 119 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Madison and West Palm Beach?
Median rent in Madison is $1,364/month and in West Palm Beach it's $1,709/month — a difference of $345/month.
Which city has higher income, Madison or West Palm Beach?
Median household income is $76,983 in Madison and $69,261 in West Palm Beach. Median household income is $7,722/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 West Palm Beach?
It depends on your priorities. Madison has a cost index of 103 with median rent of $1,364/mo, while West Palm Beach has a cost index of 119 with rent of $1,709/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
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