Is Madison, WI cheaper than Saint Paul, MN?

Based on cost of living data, Madison, WI is 2.8% cheaper than Saint Paul, MN. This translates to saving $208 per month.

What salary do I need in Madison, WI to live like I do in Saint Paul, MN?

If you earn $150,000 in Saint Paul, MN, you'd need approximately $147,500 in Madison, WI to maintain the same standard of living.

How does housing cost compare between Saint Paul, MN and Madison, WI?

Housing in Madison, WI is 1.9% cheaper than in Saint Paul, MN. For a two-bedroom apartment, rent is $1,835/month in Madison, WI compared to $1,500/month in Saint Paul, MN.

How much can I save per month by moving from Saint Paul, MN to Madison, WI?

Moving from Saint Paul, MN to Madison, WI could save you approximately $208 per month, or $2500 per year, based on a $150,000 salary.

Saint Paul, MN vs Madison, WI: Cost of Living Comparison 2026

Tap to swap

Cost of Living Comparison 2026

Data: HUD rent estimates, BLS cost of living

Current salary in Saint Paul, MN

Numbers update automatically as you type

You'd save $208/month moving to Madison, WI

$150.0K in your current city equals $147.5K in Madison, WI

Rent data from HUD ZIP-level estimates · COL index from Minneapolis-St. Paul-Bloomington, MN-WI area

Overall Cost

↓ 2.8%

Less expensive

Monthly Impact

$208

Savings

Annual Impact

$2.5K

Per year

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

Saint Paul, MN

Population:308K

Cost Index:

100

100 = national average

Median Home:$274K

Madison, WI

Population:270K

Cost Index:

(3% below avg)

Median Home:$427K

Saint Paul, MN

The North Star State

308K

Population

State Tax

Yes

Located in Minnesota, this city has a population of 308K residents.

Madison, WI

The Badger State

270K

Population

State Tax

Yes

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

Cost Breakdown by Category

Annual spending: Saint Paul, MN vs Madison, WI

Category	Saint Paul, MN	Madison, WI	Difference	Change
Groceries	$1,029/mo	$959/mo	↓ $69.95less	6.8%
Housing	$2,807/mo	$2,755/mo	↓ $51.97less	1.9%
Healthcare	$756/mo	$719/mo	↓ $37.17less	4.9%
Transportation	$1,380/mo	$1,407/mo	↑ $27.32more	2.0%
Other	$1,774/mo	$1,791/mo	↑ $16.74more	0.9%
All Utilities	$508/mo	$508/mo	→ $0	0.0%

Groceries

↓ 6.8%

Saint Paul, MN

$1,029

Madison, WI

$959

Difference

$69.95

less

Housing

↓ 1.9%

Saint Paul, MN

$2,807

Madison, WI

$2,755

Difference

$51.97

less

Healthcare

↓ 4.9%

Saint Paul, MN

$756

Madison, WI

$719

Difference

$37.17

less

Transportation

↑ 2.0%

Saint Paul, MN

$1,380

Madison, WI

$1,407

Difference

$27.32

Other

↑ 0.9%

Saint Paul, MN

$1,774

Madison, WI

$1,791

Difference

$16.74

All Utilities

→ 0.0%

Saint Paul, MN

$508

Madison, WI

$508

Difference

same

🏠Rent Comparison

Studio

From$1,000

To$1,370

↑ $370

1 Bed

From$1,200

To$1,605

↑ $405

2 Bed

From$1,500

To$1,835

↑ $335

3 Bed

From$2,100

To$2,425

↑ $325

Madison, WIZIP-level data

1BR range: $1,360–$1,840/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.

$8,254

Monthly in Saint Paul, MN

$8,139

Monthly in Madison, WI

$115

Difference

Home Values

Saint Paul

Madison

$274K

Median Value

$427K

↓ -0.1%

YoY Change

↑ +2.3%

↑ +13.6%

5-Year Change

↑ +37.4%

$175K - $452K

Price Range

$359K - $534K

Homes in Madison are 56% more expensive than Saint Paul

Calculate payment - Saint Paul Calculate payment - Madison

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

Tax Comparison

Annual tax burden comparison at $150.0K salary

Tax Savings

↑ $1.6K

Per year

Monthly Difference

$132

More take-home

Effective Rate Diff

1.1%

Rate difference

Saint Paul, MN

Federal Income Tax

Effective: 18.9%

$25.5K

Minnesota State Tax

Effective: 7.0%

$10.4K

FICA Taxes

Social Security + Medicare

$11.5K

Total Taxes

Effective: 31.6%

$47.4K

Take-Home Pay

$8,546/month

$102.6K

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

Additional Tax Information

Saint Paul, MN Tax Rates

Sales Tax:8.0%

Property Tax:1.1%

Madison, WI Tax Rates

Sales Tax:5.6%

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.