Cost of Living: Phoenix, AZ vs Madison, WI (2026)

Phoenix

Arizona
109
VS

Madison

Wisconsin
103

Phoenix is 6% more expensive than Madison.

$1,458/mo ↑ 7%
Median Rent
$1,364/mo ↓ 6%
$77,041/yr ≈ Same
Median Income
$76,983/yr ≈ Same
$381,900 ↑ 10%
Home Value
$346,900 ↓ 9%
$1,430/mo ↓ 3%
Owner Costs
$1,476/mo ↑ 3%
1,624,832
Population
275,568

Tax Comparison

2.5%
Income Tax
7.65%
5.6%
State Sales Tax
5.0%
0.62%
Property Tax
1.61%

Affordability

22.7%
rent-to-income
Affordability
21.3%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Phoenix, AZ and Madison, WI, the overall cost of living indices are 109 and 103 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $94/month cheaper in Madison, saving renters about $1,128/year.

Median household income is $58/year higher in Phoenix. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Phoenix is $381,900 compared to $346,900 in Madison.

Arizona has a lower income tax rate, making Phoenix slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Phoenix vs Madison — common questions

Is Phoenix or Madison cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Madison is cheaper to live in with an index of 103 compared to 109 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Phoenix and Madison?
Median rent in Phoenix is $1,458/month and in Madison it's $1,364/month — a difference of $94/month.
Which city has higher income, Phoenix or Madison?
Median household income is $77,041 in Phoenix and $76,983 in Madison. Median household income is $58/year higher in Phoenix.
How do taxes compare between Arizona and Wisconsin?
Arizona has 2.5% income tax, 5.6% sales tax, and 0.62% property tax. Wisconsin has 7.65% income tax, 5.0% sales tax, and 1.61% property tax.
Should I move to Phoenix or Madison?
It depends on your priorities. Phoenix has a cost index of 109 with median rent of $1,458/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 Phoenix details → View Madison details →

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