Madison vs St. Paul for Retirees (2026)
Scroll down for retirement income tax breakdown, healthcare estimates, and FAQ.
Full retirement cost breakdown
| Metric | Madison Wisconsin | St. Paul Minnesota |
|---|---|---|
| 1BR rent / month | $1,650 | $1,500Better |
| Median home price | $360K | $310KBetter |
| State income tax | 7.7%Better | 9.9% |
| Sales tax (combined) | 5.4%Better | 8% |
| Monthly utilities | $162Better | $195 |
| Groceries index (US = 100) | 101Better | 101 |
| Est. healthcare / month | $485Better | $485 |
| Walk score (0–100) | 55 / 100 | 67 / 100Better |
| Overall COL index (100 = US avg) | 97Better | 97 |
Frequently asked questions
Which city is better for retirement — Madison or St. Paul?
Madison and St. Paul are closely matched for retirees. Housing costs, tax burden, and overall affordability are similar. Your specific priorities — climate, walkability, family proximity — should guide the decision.
Is retirement income taxed in Madison or St. Paul?
Madison has the lower state income tax rate (7.7% vs 9.9%). Note that many states exempt Social Security income and some pension income from state taxes even when other income is taxed — check your specific state's retirement tax rules.
What is the estimated monthly healthcare cost in Madison vs St. Paul?
Based on national average retiree healthcare spending (~$500/month) scaled by each city's cost-of-living index, estimated monthly healthcare costs are approximately $485 in Madison and $485 in St. Paul. That's a difference of ~$0/month, or ~$0/year. Actual costs vary based on your Medicare plan, supplements, and health needs.
Can I afford to retire in Madison on a $50,000 annual income?
On a $50,000/year ($4,167/month) retirement income in Madison, rent alone would consume approximately 40% of your budget (1BR rent ~$1,650/mo) and healthcare another ~12%. That leaves roughly 48% (~$2,000/mo) for groceries, transportation, and other expenses. This is tight — a studio apartment or lower-cost neighborhood would help.
Which city is more walkable for retirees?
St. Paul has a higher walk score (67 vs 55 out of 100). Walkability is increasingly important for retirees who want to reduce car dependence — a score above 70 means most daily errands can be done on foot. St. Paul offers more independence without a car, which also reduces transportation costs.
$50K/year in Madison has the same purchasing power as $50K/year in St. Paul
Healthcare estimates based on national avg retiree spending (~$500/mo) scaled by COL index · State income tax rates from Tax Foundation · Data: Zillow, BLS, Numbeo · Q1 2026