Cost of Living: Madison, WI vs Worcester, MA (2026)

Madison

Wisconsin
103
VS

Worcester

Massachusetts
104

Madison and Worcester have a similar cost of living.

$1,364/mo ↓ 4%
Median Rent
$1,415/mo ↑ 4%
$76,983/yr ↑ 14%
Median Income
$67,544/yr ↓ 12%
$346,900 ↑ 2%
Home Value
$339,500 ↓ 2%
$1,476/mo ↓ 3%
Owner Costs
$1,521/mo ↑ 3%
275,568
Population
205,501

Tax Comparison

7.65%
Income Tax
9.0%
5.0%
State Sales Tax
6.25%
1.61%
Property Tax
1.15%

Affordability

21.3%
rent-to-income
Affordability
25.1%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Madison, WI and Worcester, MA, the overall cost of living indices are 103 and 104 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $51/month cheaper in Madison, saving renters about $612/year.

Median household income is $9,439/year higher in Madison. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Madison is $346,900 compared to $339,500 in Worcester.

Wisconsin has a lower income tax rate, making Madison slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Madison vs Worcester — common questions

Is Madison or Worcester cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Madison is cheaper to live in with an index of 103 compared to 104 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Madison and Worcester?
Median rent in Madison is $1,364/month and in Worcester it's $1,415/month — a difference of $51/month.
Which city has higher income, Madison or Worcester?
Median household income is $76,983 in Madison and $67,544 in Worcester. Median household income is $9,439/year higher in Madison.
How do taxes compare between Wisconsin and Massachusetts?
Wisconsin has 7.65% income tax, 5.0% sales tax, and 1.61% property tax. Massachusetts has 9.0% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 1.15% property tax.
Should I move to Madison or Worcester?
It depends on your priorities. Madison has a cost index of 103 with median rent of $1,364/mo, while Worcester has a cost index of 104 with rent of $1,415/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Madison details → View Worcester details →

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