Cost of Living: Washington, DC vs Madison, WI (2026)

Washington

District of Columbia
171
VS

Madison

Wisconsin
103

Washington is 66% more expensive than Madison.

$1,900/mo ↑ 39%
Median Rent
$1,364/mo ↓ 28%
$106,287/yr ↑ 38%
Median Income
$76,983/yr ↓ 28%
$724,600 ↑ 109%
Home Value
$346,900 ↓ 52%
$2,103/mo ↑ 42%
Owner Costs
$1,476/mo ↓ 30%
672,079
Population
275,568

Tax Comparison

10.75%
Income Tax
7.65%
6.0%
State Sales Tax
5.0%
0.56%
Property Tax
1.61%

Affordability

21.5%
rent-to-income
Affordability
21.3%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Washington, DC and Madison, WI, the overall cost of living indices are 171 and 103 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $536/month cheaper in Madison, saving renters about $6,432/year.

Median household income is $29,304/year higher in Washington. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Washington is $724,600 compared to $346,900 in Madison.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Washington vs Madison — common questions

Is Washington or Madison cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Madison is cheaper to live in with an index of 103 compared to 171 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Washington and Madison?
Median rent in Washington is $1,900/month and in Madison it's $1,364/month — a difference of $536/month.
Which city has higher income, Washington or Madison?
Median household income is $106,287 in Washington and $76,983 in Madison. Median household income is $29,304/year higher in Washington.
How do taxes compare between District of Columbia and Wisconsin?
District of Columbia has 10.75% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 0.56% property tax. Wisconsin has 7.65% income tax, 5.0% sales tax, and 1.61% property tax.
Should I move to Washington or Madison?
It depends on your priorities. Washington has a cost index of 171 with median rent of $1,900/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 Washington details → View Madison details →

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