Is Dallas, TX cheaper than Madison, WI?

Based on cost of living data, Dallas, TX is 3.8% cheaper than Madison, WI. This translates to saving $286 per month.

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

If you earn $150,000 in Madison, WI, you'd need approximately $146,571.429 in Dallas, TX to maintain the same standard of living.

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

Housing in Dallas, TX is 13.2% cheaper than in Madison, WI. For a two-bedroom apartment, rent is $1,765/month in Dallas, TX compared to $1,835/month in Madison, WI.

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

Moving from Madison, WI to Dallas, TX could save you approximately $286 per month, or $3429 per year, based on a $150,000 salary.

Madison, WI vs Dallas, 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 $286/month moving to Dallas, TX

$150.0K in your current city equals $146.6K in Dallas, TX

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

Overall Cost

↓ 3.8%

Less expensive

Monthly Impact

$286

Savings

Annual Impact

$3.4K

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

Dallas, TX

Population:1304K

Cost Index:96

Median Home:$292K

Madison, WI

The Badger State

270K

Population

State Tax

Yes

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

Dallas, TX

The Lone Star State

1.3M

Population

State Tax

No Income Tax

Climate

Humid subtropical

Notable Facts

•Major business center
•No state income tax
•Big Tex home

Major Industries

TechnologyFinanceEnergyTransportation

Cost Breakdown by Category

Annual spending: Madison, WI vs Dallas, TX

Category	Madison, WI	Dallas, TX	Difference	Change
🏠Housing	$2,755/mo	$2,391/mo	↓ $364less	13.2%
🚗Transportation	$1,407/mo	$1,298/mo	↓ $109less	7.8%
🏥Healthcare	$719/mo	$632/mo	↓ $86.74less	12.1%
⚡All Utilities	$508/mo	$563/mo	↑ $54.64more	10.8%
🛒Groceries	$959/mo	$979/mo	↑ $19.99more	2.1%
📦Other	$1,791/mo	$1,774/mo	↓ $16.74less	0.9%

🏠Housing

↓ 13.2%

Madison, WI

$2,755

Dallas, TX

$2,391

Difference

$364

less

🚗Transportation

↓ 7.8%

Madison, WI

$1,407

Dallas, TX

$1,298

Difference

$109

less

🏥Healthcare

↓ 12.1%

Madison, WI

$719

Dallas, TX

$632

Difference

$86.74

less

⚡All Utilities

↑ 10.8%

Madison, WI

$508

Dallas, TX

$563

Difference

$54.64

🛒Groceries

↑ 2.1%

Madison, WI

$959

Dallas, TX

$979

Difference

$19.99

📦Other

↓ 0.9%

Madison, WI

$1,791

Dallas, TX

$1,774

Difference

$16.74

less

🏠Rent Comparison

Studio

From$1,370

To$1,450

↑ $80.00

1 Bed

From$1,605

To$1,505

↓ $100

2 Bed

From$1,835

To$1,765

↓ $70.00

3 Bed

From$2,425

To$2,220

↓ $205

Madison, WIZIP-level data

1BR range: $1,360–$1,840/mo

Dallas, TXZIP-level data

1BR range: $1,040–$2,470/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

$7,637

Monthly in Dallas, TX

$502

Difference

Home Values

Madison

Dallas

$427K

Median Value

$292K

↑ +2.3%

YoY Change

↓ -3.1%

↑ +37.4%

5-Year Change

↑ +27.1%

$359K - $534K

Price Range

$138K - $2.01M

Homes in Dallas are 32% less expensive than Madison

Calculate payment - Madison Calculate payment - Dallas

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

Dallas, 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%

Dallas, 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.