Bellevue vs Madison for Families (2026)
A family-focused comparison of housing, income, taxes, and overall affordability in Bellevue, WA vs Madison, WI.
- 2BR rent: $2,200/mo in Madison vs $3,700/mo — 41% difference
- More affordable homeownership in Madison: $360K median vs $900K
- Higher median household income in Bellevue: $115K/yr vs $68K
- Bellevue has no state income tax — more take-home for family expenses
Family cost comparison
| Metric | Bellevue Washington | Madison Wisconsin |
|---|---|---|
| 2BR rent/month | $3,700 | $2,200Better |
| Median home price | $900K | $360KBetter |
| Median household income | $115KBetter | $68K |
| Est. childcare/month | $1,924 | $1,261Better |
| State income tax | NoneBetter | 7.7% |
| Sales tax (combined) | 10.2% | 5.4%Better |
Frequently asked questions
Which city is better for raising a family — Bellevue or Madison?
Based on housing costs, income, and taxes, Madison scores slightly better for families overall. Madison has lower 2-bedroom rents, Madison is more affordable for homebuyers, though both cities have strong family communities.
What is the average 2-bedroom rent in Bellevue vs Madison?
As of Q1 2026, median 2BR rent is $3,700/month in Bellevue and $2,200/month in Madison. Madison is 41% cheaper for a 2-bedroom apartment.
Can a family afford to buy a home in Bellevue or Madison?
The price-to-income ratio in Bellevue is 7.8× ($900K home, $115K income) vs 5.3× in Madison. A ratio below 3× is generally considered affordable. Madison is more achievable for first-time family homebuyers.
How much does childcare cost in Bellevue vs Madison?
Based on cost-of-living indices, estimated childcare (infant/toddler) runs approximately $1,924/month in Bellevue and $1,261/month in Madison. These are estimates — actual costs vary by provider and program type.
Which city has lower taxes for families?
Bellevue (Washington) has no state income tax vs Madison's 7.7% rate. For a dual-income family earning $120K combined, the difference can mean $462+/month in take-home.
Childcare estimates based on national average scaled by COL index. Data: Zillow, BLS, Numbeo, Tax Foundation · Q1 2026
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