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

Orlando

Florida
115
VS

Madison

Wisconsin
103

Orlando is 12% more expensive than Madison.

$1,650/mo ↑ 21%
Median Rent
$1,364/mo ↓ 17%
$69,268/yr ↓ 10%
Median Income
$76,983/yr ↑ 11%
$359,000 ↑ 3%
Home Value
$346,900 ↓ 3%
$1,621/mo ↑ 10%
Owner Costs
$1,476/mo ↓ 9%
311,732
Population
275,568

Tax Comparison

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

Affordability

28.6%
rent-to-income
Affordability
21.3%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Orlando, FL and Madison, WI, the overall cost of living indices are 115 and 103 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $286/month cheaper in Madison, saving renters about $3,432/year.

Median household income is $7,715/year higher in Madison. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Orlando is $359,000 compared to $346,900 in Madison.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Orlando vs Madison — common questions

Is Orlando or Madison cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Madison is cheaper to live in with an index of 103 compared to 115 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Orlando and Madison?
Median rent in Orlando is $1,650/month and in Madison it's $1,364/month — a difference of $286/month.
Which city has higher income, Orlando or Madison?
Median household income is $69,268 in Orlando and $76,983 in Madison. Median household income is $7,715/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 Orlando or Madison?
It depends on your priorities. Orlando has a cost index of 115 with median rent of $1,650/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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