Side-by-side cost of living comparison for 2026
10% cheaper
Jacksonville is 10% more affordable than Madison. A $75,000 salary in Madison is equivalent to $67,217 in Jacksonville.
Index values shown. National average = 100. Lower is cheaper.
To maintain the same standard of living:
See exact take-home pay: Florida salaries · Wisconsin salaries
Housing is typically the biggest factor in any cost-of-living comparison. Jacksonville has a housing index of 89 while Madison sits at 115 (national average = 100). The median home in Jacksonville costs $280,000 compared to $340,000 in Madison, a difference of $60,000. Monthly rent follows a similar pattern: $1,400 in Jacksonville versus $1,400 in Madison.
Groceries and everyday expenses show a narrower gap: Jacksonville scores 101 while Madison scores 101. Both cities are close to the national average for grocery costs.
Healthcare costs in Jacksonville (95) are lower than Madison (105). Both are close to the national average.
Median household income in Jacksonville is $53,025 compared to $67,565 in Madison. When adjusted for cost of living, income goes further in Jacksonville.
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