Side-by-side cost of living comparison for 2026
5% cheaper
Madison is 5% more affordable than Reno. A $75,000 salary in Reno is equivalent to $71,622 in Madison.
Index values shown. National average = 100. Lower is cheaper.
To maintain the same standard of living:
See exact take-home pay: Wisconsin salaries · Nevada salaries
Housing is typically the biggest factor in any cost-of-living comparison. Madison has a housing index of 115 while Reno sits at 133 (national average = 100). The median home in Madison costs $340,000 compared to $450,000 in Reno, a difference of $110,000. Monthly rent follows a similar pattern: $1,400 in Madison versus $1,600 in Reno.
Groceries and everyday expenses show a narrower gap: Madison scores 101 while Reno scores 102. Both cities are close to the national average for grocery costs.
Healthcare costs in Madison (105) are higher than Reno (96). Both are close to the national average.
Median household income in Madison is $67,565 compared to $61,648 in Reno. When adjusted for cost of living, income goes further in Madison.
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