Cost of Living: Plano, TX vs Madison, WI (2026)

Plano

Texas
132
VS

Madison

Wisconsin
103

Plano is 28% more expensive than Madison.

$1,792/mo ↑ 31%
Median Rent
$1,364/mo ↓ 24%
$108,649/yr ↑ 41%
Median Income
$76,983/yr ↓ 29%
$440,600 ↑ 27%
Home Value
$346,900 ↓ 21%
$1,829/mo ↑ 24%
Owner Costs
$1,476/mo ↓ 19%
287,339
Population
275,568

Tax Comparison

0%
Income Tax
7.65%
6.25%
State Sales Tax
5.0%
1.6%
Property Tax
1.61%

Affordability

19.8%
rent-to-income
Affordability
21.3%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Plano, TX and Madison, WI, the overall cost of living indices are 132 and 103 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $428/month cheaper in Madison, saving renters about $5,136/year.

Median household income is $31,666/year higher in Plano. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Plano is $440,600 compared to $346,900 in Madison.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Plano vs Madison — common questions

Is Plano or Madison cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Madison is cheaper to live in with an index of 103 compared to 132 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Plano and Madison?
Median rent in Plano is $1,792/month and in Madison it's $1,364/month — a difference of $428/month.
Which city has higher income, Plano or Madison?
Median household income is $108,649 in Plano and $76,983 in Madison. Median household income is $31,666/year higher in Plano.
How do taxes compare between Texas and Wisconsin?
Texas has 0% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 1.6% property tax. Wisconsin has 7.65% income tax, 5.0% sales tax, and 1.61% property tax.
Should I move to Plano or Madison?
It depends on your priorities. Plano has a cost index of 132 with median rent of $1,792/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 Plano details → View Madison details →

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