Cost of Living: Raleigh, NC vs Madison, WI (2026)

Raleigh

North Carolina
110
VS

Madison

Wisconsin
103

Raleigh is 7% more expensive than Madison.

$1,468/mo ↑ 8%
Median Rent
$1,364/mo ↓ 7%
$82,424/yr ↑ 7%
Median Income
$76,983/yr ↓ 7%
$377,800 ↑ 9%
Home Value
$346,900 ↓ 8%
$1,487/mo ≈ Same
Owner Costs
$1,476/mo ≈ Same
470,763
Population
275,568

Tax Comparison

4.5%
Income Tax
7.65%
4.75%
State Sales Tax
5.0%
0.8%
Property Tax
1.61%

Affordability

21.4%
rent-to-income
Affordability
21.3%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Raleigh, NC and Madison, WI, the overall cost of living indices are 110 and 103 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $104/month cheaper in Madison, saving renters about $1,248/year.

Median household income is $5,441/year higher in Raleigh. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Raleigh is $377,800 compared to $346,900 in Madison.

North Carolina has a lower income tax rate, making Raleigh slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Raleigh vs Madison — common questions

Is Raleigh or Madison cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Madison is cheaper to live in with an index of 103 compared to 110 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Raleigh and Madison?
Median rent in Raleigh is $1,468/month and in Madison it's $1,364/month — a difference of $104/month.
Which city has higher income, Raleigh or Madison?
Median household income is $82,424 in Raleigh and $76,983 in Madison. Median household income is $5,441/year higher in Raleigh.
How do taxes compare between North Carolina and Wisconsin?
North Carolina has 4.5% income tax, 4.75% sales tax, and 0.8% property tax. Wisconsin has 7.65% income tax, 5.0% sales tax, and 1.61% property tax.
Should I move to Raleigh or Madison?
It depends on your priorities. Raleigh has a cost index of 110 with median rent of $1,468/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 Raleigh details → View Madison details →

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