Is Toledo, OH cheaper than Madison, WI?

Based on cost of living data, Toledo, OH is 13.7% cheaper than Madison, WI. This translates to saving $1031 per month.

What salary do I need in Toledo, OH to live like I do in Madison, WI?

If you earn $150,000 in Madison, WI, you'd need approximately $137,627.4 in Toledo, OH to maintain the same standard of living.

How does housing cost compare between Madison, WI and Toledo, OH?

Housing in Toledo, OH is 41.7% cheaper than in Madison, WI. For a two-bedroom apartment, rent is $1,075/month in Toledo, OH compared to $1,835/month in Madison, WI.

How much can I save per month by moving from Madison, WI to Toledo, OH?

Moving from Madison, WI to Toledo, OH could save you approximately $1031 per month, or $12373 per year, based on a $150,000 salary.

Madison, WI vs Toledo, OH: Cost of Living Comparison 2026

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Cost of Living Comparison 2026

Data: HUD rent estimates, BLS cost of living

Current salary in Madison, WI

Numbers update automatically as you type

You'd save $1.0K/month moving to Toledo, OH

$150.0K in your current city equals $137.6K in Toledo, OH

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

Overall Cost

↓ 13.7%

Less expensive

Monthly Impact

$1,031

Savings

Annual Impact

$12.4K

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

100 = national average

Median Home:$427K

Toledo, OH

Population:265K

Cost Index:

(14% below avg)

Median Home:$130K

Madison, WI

The Badger State

270K

Population

State Tax

Yes

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

Toledo, OH

The Buckeye State

265K

Population

State Tax

Yes

Located in Ohio, this city has a population of 265K residents.

Cost Breakdown by Category

Annual spending: Madison, WI vs Toledo, OH

Category	Madison, WI	Toledo, OH	Difference	Change
Housing	$2,755/mo	$1,605/mo	↓ $1,150less	41.7%
Transportation	$1,407/mo	$1,617/mo	↑ $210more	14.9%
Healthcare	$719/mo	$572/mo	↓ $147less	20.4%
Other	$1,791/mo	$1,723/mo	↓ $68.38less	3.8%
All Utilities	$508/mo	$565/mo	↑ $57.24more	11.3%
Groceries	$959/mo	$963/mo	↑ $3.74more	0.4%

Housing

↓ 41.7%

Madison, WI

$2,755

Toledo, OH

$1,605

Difference

$1,150

less

Transportation

↑ 14.9%

Madison, WI

$1,407

Toledo, OH

$1,617

Difference

$210

Healthcare

↓ 20.4%

Madison, WI

$719

Toledo, OH

$572

Difference

$147

less

Other

↓ 3.8%

Madison, WI

$1,791

Toledo, OH

$1,723

Difference

$68.38

less

All Utilities

↑ 11.3%

Madison, WI

$508

Toledo, OH

$565

Difference

$57.24

Groceries

↑ 0.4%

Madison, WI

$959

Toledo, OH

$963

Difference

$3.74

🏛️ Local Income Taxes

Toledo, OH: Toledo Municipal Income Tax$3,750/yr (2.5%)

Madison, WI has no local income tax.

Local taxes are in addition to state income tax. Not all cities levy local income taxes.

🏠Rent Comparison

Studio

From$1,370

To$772

↓ $598

1 Bed

From$1,605

To$818

↓ $787

2 Bed

From$1,835

To$1,075

↓ $760

3 Bed

From$2,425

To$1,379

↓ $1,046

Madison, WIZIP-level data

1BR range: $1,360–$1,840/mo

Toledo, OHZIP-level data

1BR range: $740–$930/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

$7,045

Monthly in Toledo, OH

$1,094

Difference

Home Values

Madison

Toledo

$427K

Median Value

$130K

↑ +2.3%

YoY Change

↑ +5.6%

↑ +37.4%

5-Year Change

↑ +41%

$359K - $534K

Price Range

$47K - $314K

Homes in Toledo are 70% less expensive than Madison

Calculate payment - Madison Calculate payment - Toledo

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

Tax Comparison

Annual tax burden comparison at $150.0K salary

Tax Savings

↑ $4.4K

Per year

Monthly Difference

$369

More take-home

Effective Rate Diff

2.9%

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

Toledo, OH

Federal Income Tax

Effective: 18.9%

$25.5K

Ohio State Tax

Effective: 3.0%

$4.4K

FICA Taxes

Social Security + Medicare

$11.5K

Total Taxes

Effective: 27.6%

$41.4K

Take-Home Pay

$9,047/month

$108.6K

Additional Tax Information

Madison, WI Tax Rates

Sales Tax:5.6%

Property Tax:1.8%

Toledo, OH Tax Rates

Sales Tax:7.2%

Property Tax:1.6%

💡 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.