Moving from Reno to Madison (2026)
Madison has a COL index of 97 vs 101 for Reno (100 = US average). You'd pay about 4% less for the same lifestyle.
Save ~$5/mo
on core expenses · $75K salary baseline
Key differences
COL index
10197
100 = US avg
1BR rent
$1,650$1,650
per month
State tax
None7.7%
income tax
Take-home at $75K
$4,741$4,259
per month
Salary needed in Madison to match your Reno lifestyle
Based on the 4% cost of living decrease between the two cities.
| Your salary in Reno | Equivalent in Madison |
|---|---|
| $40K | $38,416 |
| $50K | $48,020 |
| $60K | $57,624 |
| $75K | $72,030 |
| $80K | $76,832 |
| $100K | $96,040 |
| $120K | $115,248 |
| $150K | $144,059 |
Monthly budget at $75K — Reno vs Madison
| Expense | Reno | Madison |
|---|---|---|
| Monthly take-home | $4,741 | $4,259 |
| 1BR rent | $1,650 | $1,650 |
| Groceries | $384 | $384 |
| Transport | $62 | $62 |
| Utilities | $165 | $162 |
| Internet | $65 | $63 |
| Left after essentials | $2,415 | $1,938 |
Frequently asked questions
Is Madison cheaper than Reno?
Yes. Madison has a cost of living index of 97 vs 101 for Reno (100 = US average). That's about 4% cheaper.
How much will I save moving from Reno to Madison?
On a $75K salary, moving from Reno to Madison could save roughly $5/month on core expenses. That's ~$60/year.
What salary do I need in Madison to match my Reno lifestyle?
To maintain the same purchasing power as $75,000 in Reno, you'd need roughly $72,030/year in Madison. This is based on the overall COL index difference between the two cities.
Moving from Madison to RenoReno vs Madison — full comparisonReno cost of livingMadison cost of living
Estimates based on Q1 2026 COL index and market data. Budget uses simplified federal/state tax rates at $75K. Zillow · BLS · Numbeo · For general guidance only