Side-by-side cost of living comparison for 2026
11% cheaper
Rochester is 11% more affordable than Madison. A $75,000 salary in Madison is equivalent to $66,509 in Rochester.
Index values shown. National average = 100. Lower is cheaper.
To maintain the same standard of living:
See exact take-home pay: Wisconsin salaries · New York salaries
Housing is typically the biggest factor in any cost-of-living comparison. Madison has a housing index of 115 while Rochester sits at 73 (national average = 100). The median home in Madison costs $340,000 compared to $155,000 in Rochester, a difference of $185,000. Monthly rent follows a similar pattern: $1,400 in Madison versus $1,000 in Rochester.
Groceries and everyday expenses show a narrower gap: Madison scores 101 while Rochester scores 101. Both cities are close to the national average for grocery costs.
Healthcare costs in Madison (105) are higher than Rochester (100). Both are close to the national average.
Median household income in Madison is $67,565 compared to $39,728 in Rochester. When adjusted for cost of living, income goes further in Rochester.
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