Cost of Living: Seattle, WA vs Madison, WI (2026)

Seattle

Washington
196
VS

Madison

Wisconsin
103

Seattle is 90% more expensive than Madison.

$1,998/mo ↑ 46%
Median Rent
$1,364/mo ↓ 32%
$121,984/yr ↑ 58%
Median Income
$76,983/yr ↓ 37%
$912,100 ↑ 163%
Home Value
$346,900 ↓ 62%
$2,220/mo ↑ 50%
Owner Costs
$1,476/mo ↓ 34%
741,440
Population
275,568

Tax Comparison

0%
Income Tax
7.65%
6.5%
State Sales Tax
5.0%
0.92%
Property Tax
1.61%

Affordability

19.7%
rent-to-income
Affordability
21.3%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Seattle, WA and Madison, WI, the overall cost of living indices are 196 and 103 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $634/month cheaper in Madison, saving renters about $7,608/year.

Median household income is $45,001/year higher in Seattle. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Seattle is $912,100 compared to $346,900 in Madison.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Seattle vs Madison — common questions

Is Seattle or Madison cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Madison is cheaper to live in with an index of 103 compared to 196 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Seattle and Madison?
Median rent in Seattle is $1,998/month and in Madison it's $1,364/month — a difference of $634/month.
Which city has higher income, Seattle or Madison?
Median household income is $121,984 in Seattle and $76,983 in Madison. Median household income is $45,001/year higher in Seattle.
How do taxes compare between Washington and Wisconsin?
Washington has 0% income tax, 6.5% sales tax, and 0.92% property tax. Wisconsin has 7.65% income tax, 5.0% sales tax, and 1.61% property tax.
Should I move to Seattle or Madison?
It depends on your priorities. Seattle has a cost index of 196 with median rent of $1,998/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 Seattle details → View Madison details →

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