Cost of Living: Madison, WI vs Wilmington, NC (2026)

Madison

Wisconsin
103
VS

Wilmington

North Carolina
100

Madison is 3% more expensive than Wilmington.

$1,364/mo ↑ 4%
Median Rent
$1,311/mo ↓ 4%
$76,983/yr ↑ 20%
Median Income
$63,900/yr ↓ 17%
$346,900 ≈ Same
Home Value
$350,300 ≈ Same
$1,476/mo ↑ 8%
Owner Costs
$1,371/mo ↓ 7%
275,568
Population
118,578

Tax Comparison

7.65%
Income Tax
4.5%
5.0%
State Sales Tax
4.75%
1.61%
Property Tax
0.8%

Affordability

21.3%
rent-to-income
Affordability
24.6%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Madison, WI and Wilmington, NC, the overall cost of living indices are 103 and 100 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $53/month cheaper in Wilmington, saving renters about $636/year.

Median household income is $13,083/year higher in Madison. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Madison is $346,900 compared to $350,300 in Wilmington.

North Carolina has a lower income tax rate, making Wilmington slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Madison vs Wilmington — common questions

Is Madison or Wilmington cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Wilmington is cheaper to live in with an index of 100 compared to 103 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Madison and Wilmington?
Median rent in Madison is $1,364/month and in Wilmington it's $1,311/month — a difference of $53/month.
Which city has higher income, Madison or Wilmington?
Median household income is $76,983 in Madison and $63,900 in Wilmington. Median household income is $13,083/year higher in Madison.
How do taxes compare between Wisconsin and North Carolina?
Wisconsin has 7.65% income tax, 5.0% sales tax, and 1.61% property tax. North Carolina has 4.5% income tax, 4.75% sales tax, and 0.8% property tax.
Should I move to Madison or Wilmington?
It depends on your priorities. Madison has a cost index of 103 with median rent of $1,364/mo, while Wilmington has a cost index of 100 with rent of $1,311/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Madison details → View Wilmington details →

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