Cost of Living: Portland, OR vs Madison, WI (2026)

Portland

Oregon
138
VS

Madison

Wisconsin
103

Portland is 34% more expensive than Madison.

$1,596/mo ↑ 17%
Median Rent
$1,364/mo ↓ 15%
$88,792/yr ↑ 15%
Median Income
$76,983/yr ↓ 13%
$557,600 ↑ 61%
Home Value
$346,900 ↓ 38%
$1,771/mo ↑ 20%
Owner Costs
$1,476/mo ↓ 17%
642,715
Population
275,568

Tax Comparison

9.9%
Income Tax
7.65%
0%
State Sales Tax
5.0%
0.93%
Property Tax
1.61%

Affordability

21.6%
rent-to-income
Affordability
21.3%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Portland, OR and Madison, WI, the overall cost of living indices are 138 and 103 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $232/month cheaper in Madison, saving renters about $2,784/year.

Median household income is $11,809/year higher in Portland. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Portland is $557,600 compared to $346,900 in Madison.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Portland vs Madison — common questions

Is Portland or Madison cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Madison is cheaper to live in with an index of 103 compared to 138 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Portland and Madison?
Median rent in Portland is $1,596/month and in Madison it's $1,364/month — a difference of $232/month.
Which city has higher income, Portland or Madison?
Median household income is $88,792 in Portland and $76,983 in Madison. Median household income is $11,809/year higher in Portland.
How do taxes compare between Oregon and Wisconsin?
Oregon has 9.9% income tax, 0% sales tax, and 0.93% property tax. Wisconsin has 7.65% income tax, 5.0% sales tax, and 1.61% property tax.
Should I move to Portland or Madison?
It depends on your priorities. Portland has a cost index of 138 with median rent of $1,596/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 Portland details → View Madison details →

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