Is Phoenix, AZ cheaper than Madison, WI?

Based on cost of living data, Phoenix, AZ is 1.7% cheaper than Madison, WI. This translates to saving $129 per month.

What salary do I need in Phoenix, AZ to live like I do in Madison, WI?

If you earn $150,000 in Madison, WI, you'd need approximately $148,457.143 in Phoenix, AZ to maintain the same standard of living.

How does housing cost compare between Madison, WI and Phoenix, AZ?

Housing in Phoenix, AZ is 1.2% more expensive than in Madison, WI. For a two-bedroom apartment, rent is $1,750/month in Phoenix, AZ compared to $1,835/month in Madison, WI.

How much can I save per month by moving from Madison, WI to Phoenix, AZ?

Moving from Madison, WI to Phoenix, AZ could save you approximately $129 per month, or $1543 per year, based on a $150,000 salary.

Madison, WI vs Phoenix, AZ: Cost of Living Comparison 2026

MoveNumbers

Tap to swap

Cost of Living Comparison 2026

Current salary in Madison, WI

Numbers update automatically as you type

You'd save $129/month moving to Phoenix, AZ

$150.0K in your current city equals $148.5K in Phoenix, AZ

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

Overall Cost

↓ 1.7%

Less expensive

Monthly Impact

$129

Savings

Annual Impact

$1.5K

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

Phoenix, AZ

Population:1608K

Cost Index:98

Median Home:$414K

Madison, WI

The Badger State

270K

Population

State Tax

Yes

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

Phoenix, AZ

The Grand Canyon State

1.6M

Population

State Tax

Yes

Climate

Hot desert

Notable Facts

•Fastest growing major city
•Desert metropolis
•Spring training capital

Major Industries

TechnologyHealthcareTourismManufacturing

Cost Breakdown by Category

Annual spending: Madison, WI vs Phoenix, AZ

Category	Madison, WI	Phoenix, AZ	Difference	Change
🏥Healthcare	$719/mo	$589/mo	↓ $130less	18.1%
📦Other	$1,791/mo	$1,677/mo	↓ $114less	6.4%
🚗Transportation	$1,407/mo	$1,489/mo	↑ $81.96more	5.8%
⚡All Utilities	$508/mo	$561/mo	↑ $53.00more	10.4%
🏠Housing	$2,755/mo	$2,788/mo	↑ $33.78more	1.2%
🛒Groceries	$959/mo	$963/mo	↑ $4.00more	0.4%

🏥Healthcare

↓ 18.1%

Madison, WI

$719

Phoenix, AZ

$589

Difference

$130

less

📦Other

↓ 6.4%

Madison, WI

$1,791

Phoenix, AZ

$1,677

Difference

$114

less

🚗Transportation

↑ 5.8%

Madison, WI

$1,407

Phoenix, AZ

$1,489

Difference

$81.96

⚡All Utilities

↑ 10.4%

Madison, WI

$508

Phoenix, AZ

$561

Difference

$53.00

🏠Housing

↑ 1.2%

Madison, WI

$2,755

Phoenix, AZ

$2,788

Difference

$33.78

🛒Groceries

↑ 0.4%

Madison, WI

$959

Phoenix, AZ

$963

Difference

$4.00

🏠Rent Comparison

Studio

From$1,370

To$1,390

↑ $20.00

1 Bed

From$1,605

To$1,510

↓ $95.00

2 Bed

From$1,835

To$1,750

↓ $85.00

3 Bed

From$2,425

To$2,330

↓ $95.00

Madison, WIZIP-level data

1BR range: $1,360–$1,840/mo

Phoenix, AZZIP-level data

1BR range: $1,300–$2,380/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

$8,068

Monthly in Phoenix, AZ

$71.20

Difference

Home Values

Madison

Phoenix

$427K

Median Value

$414K

↑ +2.3%

YoY Change

↓ -3.1%

↑ +37.4%

5-Year Change

↑ +30.2%

$359K - $534K

Price Range

$274K - $957K

Homes in Phoenix are 3% less expensive than Madison

Calculate payment - Madison Calculate payment - Phoenix

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

Tax Comparison

Annual tax burden comparison at $150.0K salary

Tax Savings

↑ $3.6K

Per year

Monthly Difference

$301

More take-home

Effective Rate Diff

2.4%

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

Phoenix, AZ

Federal Income Tax

Effective: 18.9%

$25.5K

Arizona State Tax

Effective: 3.5%

$5.2K

FICA Taxes

Social Security + Medicare

$11.5K

Total Taxes

Effective: 28.2%

$42.2K

Take-Home Pay

$8,979/month

$107.8K

Additional Tax Information

Madison, WI Tax Rates

Sales Tax:5.6%

Property Tax:1.8%

Phoenix, AZ Tax Rates

Sales Tax:8.5%

Property Tax:0.6%

💡 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.