Cost of Living: Miami, FL vs Madison, WI (2026)

Miami

Florida
129
VS

Madison

Wisconsin
103

Miami is 25% more expensive than Madison.

$1,657/mo ↑ 21%
Median Rent
$1,364/mo ↓ 18%
$59,390/yr ↓ 23%
Median Income
$76,983/yr ↑ 30%
$475,200 ↑ 37%
Home Value
$346,900 ↓ 27%
$1,666/mo ↑ 13%
Owner Costs
$1,476/mo ↓ 11%
446,663
Population
275,568

Tax Comparison

0%
Income Tax
7.65%
6.0%
State Sales Tax
5.0%
0.86%
Property Tax
1.61%

Affordability

33.5%
rent-to-income
Affordability
21.3%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Miami, FL and Madison, WI, the overall cost of living indices are 129 and 103 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $293/month cheaper in Madison, saving renters about $3,516/year.

Median household income is $17,593/year higher in Madison. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Miami is $475,200 compared to $346,900 in Madison.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Miami vs Madison — common questions

Is Miami or Madison cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Madison is cheaper to live in with an index of 103 compared to 129 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Miami and Madison?
Median rent in Miami is $1,657/month and in Madison it's $1,364/month — a difference of $293/month.
Which city has higher income, Miami or Madison?
Median household income is $59,390 in Miami and $76,983 in Madison. Median household income is $17,593/year higher in Madison.
How do taxes compare between Florida and Wisconsin?
Florida has 0% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 0.86% property tax. Wisconsin has 7.65% income tax, 5.0% sales tax, and 1.61% property tax.
Should I move to Miami or Madison?
It depends on your priorities. Miami has a cost index of 129 with median rent of $1,657/mo, while Madison has a cost index of 103 with rent of $1,364/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
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