Quick answer
Madison costs $95/month less overall ($1,880 vs $1,975/mo). But Raleigh's 4.5% state income tax erases some of that gap — on an $80K salary, the tax difference is $2,520/year.
City Comparison · 2026
Madison vs Raleigh
Side-by-side on rent, home prices, taxes, walkability, jobs, and climate — with a straight verdict for each type of mover.
Last updated: April 23, 2026
Madison vs Raleigh at a Glance
| Metric | Madison | Raleigh |
|---|---|---|
| 1BR Monthly Rent | $1,380 ✓ | $1,860 |
| 2BR Monthly Rent | $1,720 ✓ | $1,860 |
| Median Home Price | $370K ✓ | $420K |
| Avg Utilities/mo | $145 ✓ | $145 |
| Avg Groceries/mo | $355 | $350 ✓ |
| Monthly Cost (1BR) | $1,880 ✓ | $1,975 |
| Walk Score | 63/100 ✓ | 34/100 |
| Transit Score | 46/100 ✓ | 25/100 |
| State Income Tax | 7.65% | 4.5% ✓ |
Monthly cost = 1BR rent + utilities + groceries for one person. ✓ marks the lower/better value.
Cost of Living: What the Numbers Actually Mean
Rent gap: Madison's 1BR averages $1,380/month vs $1,480 in Raleigh — a $100/month difference, or $1,200/year. That's close enough that neighborhood choice within each city matters more than the city-level average.
State tax: Raleigh charges 4.5% state income tax vs 7.65% in Madison. On an $80K salary that's a $2,520/year difference. On $120K, the gap grows to $9,180 vs $5,400 — important context if you're choosing between tech job offers.
Home buying: Median homes in Madison are $370K vs $420K in Raleigh. At a 20% down payment, that's a $10,000 difference in upfront cash — significant at early-career savings rates.
Utilities: Utilities are essentially equal between both cities at $145/month.
Walkability, Transit & Daily Life
Madison, WI
Madison's walkability means you can genuinely live without a car in the right neighborhoods.
TOP NEIGHBORHOODS
Raleigh, NC
Car ownership is effectively mandatory in Raleigh. Budget $400–600/month for a car if you don't own one.
TOP NEIGHBORHOODS
Climate
Madison
Four seasons; brutal winters (lakes freeze solid for skating), warm summers, beautiful fall; 189 sunny days
Raleigh
Four mild seasons; hot humid summers (heat index 100–105°F in July), light winters, excellent spring and fall
Job Market
Madison top industries
Raleigh top industries
Who Should Pick Which City
Move to Madison if…
- →You're a researchers / academics
- →You're a tech workers
- →You're a outdoor / lake lifestyle seekers
- →You're a progressive culture seekers
- →You're buying a home and want more for your money
Move to Raleigh if…
- →You're a tech workers
- →You're a biotech / pharma professionals
- →You're a researchers
- →You're a young families
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Madison or Raleigh cheaper to live in?
Madison is cheaper overall. Monthly costs (1BR rent + utilities + groceries) run $1,880 in Madison vs $1,975 in Raleigh — a $95/month difference.
Which city is more walkable — Madison or Raleigh?
Madison is more walkable with a Walk Score of 63/100 vs 34/100. Raleigh is more car-dependent.
Madison vs Raleigh: which has lower state income tax?
Raleigh has lower state income tax (4.5%). On an $80K salary, that saves $2,520/year vs Madison (7.65%).
Is Madison or Raleigh better for buying a home?
Madison has lower median home prices at $370K vs $420K in Raleigh — a $50,000 difference on the median home.