Is Austin, TX cheaper than Madison, WI?

Based on cost of living data, Austin, TX is 1.9% cheaper than Madison, WI. This translates to saving $143 per month.

What salary do I need in Austin, TX to live like I do in Madison, WI?

If you earn $150,000 in Madison, WI, you'd need approximately $148,285.714 in Austin, TX to maintain the same standard of living.

How does housing cost compare between Madison, WI and Austin, TX?

Housing in Austin, TX is 4.7% more expensive than in Madison, WI. For a two-bedroom apartment, rent is $1,995/month in Austin, TX compared to $1,835/month in Madison, WI.

How much can I save per month by moving from Madison, WI to Austin, TX?

Moving from Madison, WI to Austin, TX could save you approximately $143 per month, or $1714 per year, based on a $150,000 salary.

Madison, WI vs Austin, TX: Cost of Living Comparison 2026

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Cost of Living Comparison 2026

Current salary in Madison, WI

Numbers update automatically as you type

You'd save $143/month moving to Austin, TX

$150.0K in your current city equals $148.3K in Austin, TX

Rent data from HUD ZIP-level estimates · COL index from Madison, WI area

Overall Cost

↓ 1.9%

Less expensive

Monthly Impact

$143

Savings

Annual Impact

$1.7K

Per year

Based on monthly living costs (rent, groceries, utilities, transport, healthcare). Home purchase prices shown separately below.

Madison, WI

Population:270K

Cost Index:100

Median Home:$427K

Austin, TX

Population:979K

Cost Index:98

Median Home:$558K

Madison, WI

The Badger State

270K

Population

State Tax

Yes

Located in Wisconsin, this city has a population of 270K residents.

Austin, TX

The Lone Star State

979K

Population

State Tax

No Income Tax

Climate

Humid subtropical

Notable Facts

•Live music capital
•Major tech hub
•SXSW festival city

Major Industries

TechnologyMusic IndustryEducationGovernment

Cost Breakdown by Category

Annual spending: Madison, WI vs Austin, TX

Category	Madison, WI	Austin, TX	Difference	Change
🏥Healthcare	$719/mo	$589/mo	↓ $130less	18.1%
🏠Housing	$2,755/mo	$2,885/mo	↑ $130more	4.7%
🚗Transportation	$1,407/mo	$1,284/mo	↓ $123less	8.7%
📦Other	$1,791/mo	$1,741/mo	↓ $50.22less	2.8%
⚡All Utilities	$508/mo	$541/mo	↑ $32.79more	6.5%
🛒Groceries	$959/mo	$959/mo	→ $0	0.0%

🏥Healthcare

↓ 18.1%

Madison, WI

$719

Austin, TX

$589

Difference

$130

less

🏠Housing

↑ 4.7%

Madison, WI

$2,755

Austin, TX

$2,885

Difference

$130

🚗Transportation

↓ 8.7%

Madison, WI

$1,407

Austin, TX

$1,284

Difference

$123

less

📦Other

↓ 2.8%

Madison, WI

$1,791

Austin, TX

$1,741

Difference

$50.22

less

⚡All Utilities

↑ 6.5%

Madison, WI

$508

Austin, TX

$541

Difference

$32.79

🛒Groceries

→ 0.0%

Madison, WI

$959

Austin, TX

$959

Difference

same

🏠Rent Comparison

Studio

From$1,370

To$1,585

↑ $215

1 Bed

From$1,605

To$1,685

↑ $80.00

2 Bed

From$1,835

To$1,995

↑ $160

3 Bed

From$2,425

To$2,525

↑ $100

Madison, WIZIP-level data

1BR range: $1,360–$1,840/mo

Austin, TXZIP-level data

1BR range: $1,490–$2,350/mo

💡 Note: Rent prices are based on HUD Fair Market Rent data and represent median costs. Actual prices vary by neighborhood, amenities, and condition. Source: HUD Small Area Fair Market Rents FY2026.

$8,139

Monthly in Madison, WI

$7,998

Monthly in Austin, TX

$141

Difference

Home Values

Madison

Austin

$427K

Median Value

$558K

↑ +2.3%

YoY Change

↓ -5%

↑ +37.4%

5-Year Change

↑ +12.6%

$359K - $534K

Price Range

$272K - $1.26M

Homes in Austin are 31% more expensive than Madison

Calculate payment - Madison Calculate payment - Austin

Source: Zillow Home Value Index (ZHVI), January 2026

Tax Comparison

Annual tax burden comparison at $150.0K salary

Tax Savings

↑ $8.8K

Per year

Monthly Difference

$737

More take-home

Effective Rate Diff

5.9%

Rate difference

Madison, WI

Federal Income Tax

Effective: 18.9%

$25.5K

Wisconsin State Tax

Effective: 5.9%

$8.8K

FICA Taxes

Social Security + Medicare

$11.5K

Total Taxes

Effective: 30.6%

$45.9K

Take-Home Pay

$8,678/month

$104.1K

Austin, TX

Federal Income Tax

Effective: 18.9%

$25.5K

Texas State Tax

No state income tax

FICA Taxes

Social Security + Medicare

$11.5K

Total Taxes

Effective: 24.7%

$37.0K

Take-Home Pay

$9,416/month

$113.0K

Additional Tax Information

Madison, WI Tax Rates

Sales Tax:5.6%

Property Tax:1.8%

Austin, TX Tax Rates

Sales Tax:8.2%

Property Tax:1.8%

💡 Note: Tax calculations are estimates based on 2024/2025 tax brackets for single filers with standard deduction. Actual taxes may vary based on filing status, deductions, credits, and local variations.