Cost of Living: New York, NY vs Madison, WI (2026)

New York

New York
166
VS

Madison

Wisconsin
103

New York is 61% more expensive than Madison.

$1,779/mo ↑ 30%
Median Rent
$1,364/mo ↓ 23%
$79,713/yr ↑ 4%
Median Income
$76,983/yr ↓ 3%
$751,700 ↑ 117%
Home Value
$346,900 ↓ 54%
$1,837/mo ↑ 24%
Owner Costs
$1,476/mo ↓ 20%
8,516,202
Population
275,568

Tax Comparison

10.9%
Income Tax
7.65%
4.0%
State Sales Tax
5.0%
1.62%
Property Tax
1.61%

Affordability

26.8%
rent-to-income
Affordability
21.3%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing New York, NY and Madison, WI, the overall cost of living indices are 166 and 103 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $415/month cheaper in Madison, saving renters about $4,980/year.

Median household income is $2,730/year higher in New York. Home values also differ significantly — the median in New York is $751,700 compared to $346,900 in Madison.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

New York vs Madison — common questions

Is New York or Madison cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Madison is cheaper to live in with an index of 103 compared to 166 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between New York and Madison?
Median rent in New York is $1,779/month and in Madison it's $1,364/month — a difference of $415/month.
Which city has higher income, New York or Madison?
Median household income is $79,713 in New York and $76,983 in Madison. Median household income is $2,730/year higher in New York.
How do taxes compare between New York and Wisconsin?
New York has 10.9% income tax, 4.0% sales tax, and 1.62% property tax. Wisconsin has 7.65% income tax, 5.0% sales tax, and 1.61% property tax.
Should I move to New York or Madison?
It depends on your priorities. New York has a cost index of 166 with median rent of $1,779/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.
View New York details → View Madison details →

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