Is Raleigh, NC cheaper than Madison, WI?

Based on cost of living data, Raleigh, NC is 7.6% cheaper than Madison, WI. This translates to saving $571 per month.

What salary do I need in Raleigh, NC to live like I do in Madison, WI?

If you earn $150,000 in Madison, WI, you'd need approximately $143,142.857 in Raleigh, NC to maintain the same standard of living.

How does housing cost compare between Madison, WI and Raleigh, NC?

Housing in Raleigh, NC is 10.4% cheaper than in Madison, WI. For a two-bedroom apartment, rent is $1,800/month in Raleigh, NC compared to $1,835/month in Madison, WI.

How much can I save per month by moving from Madison, WI to Raleigh, NC?

Moving from Madison, WI to Raleigh, NC could save you approximately $571 per month, or $6857 per year, based on a $150,000 salary.

Madison, WI vs Raleigh, NC: 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 $571/month moving to Raleigh, NC

$150.0K in your current city equals $143.1K in Raleigh, NC

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

Overall Cost

↓ 7.6%

Less expensive

Monthly Impact

$571

Savings

Annual Impact

$6.9K

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

Raleigh, NC

Population:474K

Cost Index:92

Median Home:$512K

Madison, WI

The Badger State

270K

Population

State Tax

Yes

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

Raleigh, NC

The Tar Heel State

474K

Population

State Tax

Yes

Climate

Humid subtropical

Notable Facts

•Research Triangle
•State capital
•Major university town

Major Industries

TechnologyResearchEducationGovernment

Cost Breakdown by Category

Annual spending: Madison, WI vs Raleigh, NC

Category	Madison, WI	Raleigh, NC	Difference	Change
🏠Housing	$2,755/mo	$2,469/mo	↓ $286less	10.4%
🚗Transportation	$1,407/mo	$1,284/mo	↓ $123less	8.7%
🏥Healthcare	$719/mo	$601/mo	↓ $118less	16.4%
📦Other	$1,791/mo	$1,707/mo	↓ $83.70less	4.7%
⚡All Utilities	$508/mo	$546/mo	↑ $38.25more	7.5%
🛒Groceries	$959/mo	$959/mo	→ $0	0.0%

🏠Housing

↓ 10.4%

Madison, WI

$2,755

Raleigh, NC

$2,469

Difference

$286

less

🚗Transportation

↓ 8.7%

Madison, WI

$1,407

Raleigh, NC

$1,284

Difference

$123

less

🏥Healthcare

↓ 16.4%

Madison, WI

$719

Raleigh, NC

$601

Difference

$118

less

📦Other

↓ 4.7%

Madison, WI

$1,791

Raleigh, NC

$1,707

Difference

$83.70

less

⚡All Utilities

↑ 7.5%

Madison, WI

$508

Raleigh, NC

$546

Difference

$38.25

🛒Groceries

→ 0.0%

Madison, WI

$959

Raleigh, NC

$959

Difference

same

🏠Rent Comparison

Studio

From$1,370

To$1,570

↑ $200

1 Bed

From$1,605

To$1,640

↑ $35.00

2 Bed

From$1,835

To$1,800

↓ $35.00

3 Bed

From$2,425

To$2,255

↓ $170

Madison, WIZIP-level data

1BR range: $1,360–$1,840/mo

Raleigh, NCZIP-level data

1BR range: $1,400–$1,880/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

$7,567

Monthly in Raleigh, NC

$572

Difference

Home Values

Madison

Raleigh

$427K

Median Value

$512K

↑ +2.3%

YoY Change

↓ -0.5%

↑ +37.4%

5-Year Change

↑ +38.2%

$359K - $534K

Price Range

$314K - $992K

Homes in Raleigh are 20% more expensive than Madison

Calculate payment - Madison Calculate payment - Raleigh

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

Tax Comparison

Annual tax burden comparison at $150.0K salary

Tax Savings

↑ $1.7K

Per year

Monthly Difference

$144

More take-home

Effective Rate Diff

1.1%

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

Raleigh, NC

Federal Income Tax

Effective: 18.9%

$25.5K

North Carolina State Tax

Effective: 4.8%

$7.1K

FICA Taxes

Social Security + Medicare

$11.5K

Total Taxes

Effective: 29.4%

$44.1K

Take-Home Pay

$8,822/month

$105.9K

Additional Tax Information

Madison, WI Tax Rates

Sales Tax:5.6%

Property Tax:1.8%

Raleigh, NC Tax Rates

Sales Tax:7.1%

Property Tax:0.8%

💡 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.