Cost of Living: Madison vs St. Paul (2026)
A one-bedroom apartment runs $1,500/mo in St. Paul vs $1,650/mo in Madison — a 10% difference. Madison has a lower state income tax rate (7.7% vs 9.9%), which adds up over time.
- 1BR rent: $1,500/mo in St. Paul vs $1,650/mo — 9% savings
- Higher median household income: Madison ($68,000/yr vs $65,000/yr)
- Median home price: $310,000 in St. Paul vs $360,000 — 14% difference
| Category | Madison Wisconsin | St. Paul Minnesota |
|---|---|---|
| 🏠 HousingQ1 2026 | ||
| Studio rent/mo | $1,300 | $1,200Best |
| 1BR rent/mo | $1,650 | $1,500Best |
| 2BR rent/mo | $2,200 | $2,000Best |
| Median home price | $360K | $310KBest |
| 🛒 Food & GroceriesQ1 2026 | ||
| Groceries index (100 = US avg) | 101Best | 101 |
| Budget meal (1 person) | $14Best | $14 |
| Mid-range dinner (2) | $58 | $56Best |
| 🚌 TransportationQ1 2026 | ||
| Monthly transit pass/mo | $62Best | $95 |
| Gas price/gal | $3.20Best | $3.30 |
| Car insurance/mo | $145 | $142Best |
| ⚡ UtilitiesQ1 2026 | ||
| Monthly utilities bundle/mo | $162Best | $195 |
| Internet/mo | $63Best | $63 |
| 💰 Income & TaxesQ1 2026 | ||
| Median household income/yr | $68KBest | $65K |
| State income tax% | 7.7%Best | 9.9% |
| Sales tax (combined)% | 5.4%Best | 8.0% |
| 🎬 LeisureQ1 2026 | ||
| Movie ticket | $15.00 | $14.00Best |
| Gym membership/mo | $42 | $40Best |
| Beer at restaurant | $6.50 | $6.00Best |
| 📊 OverviewQ1 2026 | ||
| Overall COL index (100 = US avg) | 97Best | 97 |
| Walk score / 100 | 55 | 67Best |
Frequently asked questions
What is the average rent in Madison vs St. Paul?
As of Q1 2026, the median 1-bedroom rent in Madison is $1,650/month and in St. Paul is $1,500/month. Madison is more expensive by 10%.
How much do I need to earn in St. Paul to match a $75,000 salary in Madison?
To maintain a similar lifestyle, you would need approximately $75,000/year in St. Paul to match a $75,000 salary in Madison. This estimate is based on overall cost of living indices and does not account for individual spending patterns.
Which city has lower taxes — Madison or St. Paul?
Madison has the lower state income tax rate at 7.7% vs 9.9%. The difference is 2.2 percentage points. Note that sales tax and local taxes also vary — see the full breakdown in the table above.
Is it worth moving from Madison to St. Paul?
It depends on your priorities. Both cities have similar overall costs. Use the comparison table above to evaluate rent, groceries, transportation, and income potential side by side based on your specific budget.
Data sourced from Zillow, BLS, Numbeo, Tax Foundation, and US Census ACS · Updated Q1 2026 · For general guidance only
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