Quick answer
Madison costs $320/month less overall ($1,880 vs $2,200/mo). But Tampa's None state income tax erases some of that gap — on an $80K salary, the tax difference is $6,120/year.
City Comparison · 2026
Madison vs Tampa
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 Tampa at a Glance
| Metric | Madison | Tampa |
|---|---|---|
| 1BR Monthly Rent | $1,380 ✓ | $2,100 |
| 2BR Monthly Rent | $1,720 ✓ | $2,100 |
| Median Home Price | $370K ✓ | $390K |
| Avg Utilities/mo | $145 ✓ | $175 |
| Avg Groceries/mo | $355 | $345 ✓ |
| Monthly Cost (1BR) | $1,880 ✓ | $2,200 |
| Walk Score | 63/100 ✓ | 52/100 |
| Transit Score | 46/100 ✓ | 34/100 |
| State Income Tax | 7.65% | None ✓ |
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 $1,680 in Tampa — a $300/month difference, or $3,600/year. That's a meaningful gap worth factoring into your decision.
State tax: Tampa charges None state income tax vs 7.65% in Madison. On an $80K salary that's a $6,120/year difference. On $120K, the gap grows to $9,180 vs $0 — important context if you're choosing between tech job offers.
Home buying: Median homes in Madison are $370K vs $390K in Tampa. At a 20% down payment, that's a $4,000 difference in upfront cash — significant at early-career savings rates.
Utilities: Tampa utilities run $30 more per month than Madison.
Walkability, Transit & Daily Life
Madison, WI
Madison's walkability means you can genuinely live without a car in the right neighborhoods.
TOP NEIGHBORHOODS
Tampa, FL
Tampa is partially walkable in denser neighborhoods but car-dependent in most areas.
TOP NEIGHBORHOODS
Climate
Madison
Four seasons; brutal winters (lakes freeze solid for skating), warm summers, beautiful fall; 189 sunny days
Tampa
Subtropical: hot humid summers (June–Oct, lightning capital of the US); warm dry winters (60s–70s°F)
Job Market
Madison top industries
Tampa 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 Tampa if…
- →You're a healthcare workers
- →You're a remote workers
- →You're a beach lifestyle seekers
- →You're a retirees
- →You want zero state income tax
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Madison or Tampa cheaper to live in?
Madison is cheaper overall. Monthly costs (1BR rent + utilities + groceries) run $1,880 in Madison vs $2,200 in Tampa — a $320/month difference.
Which city is more walkable — Madison or Tampa?
Madison is more walkable with a Walk Score of 63/100 vs 52/100. Tampa is more car-dependent.
Madison vs Tampa: which has lower state income tax?
Tampa has lower state income tax (None). On an $80K salary, that saves $6,120/year vs Madison (7.65%).
Is Madison or Tampa better for buying a home?
Madison has lower median home prices at $370K vs $390K in Tampa — a $20,000 difference on the median home.