Side-by-side cost of living comparison for 2026
14% cheaper
Madison is 14% more affordable than Scottsdale. A $75,000 salary in Scottsdale is equivalent to $64,634 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 · Arizona salaries
Housing is typically the biggest factor in any cost-of-living comparison. Madison has a housing index of 115 while Scottsdale sits at 162 (national average = 100). The median home in Madison costs $340,000 compared to $580,000 in Scottsdale, a difference of $240,000. Monthly rent follows a similar pattern: $1,400 in Madison versus $2,000 in Scottsdale.
Groceries and everyday expenses show a narrower gap: Madison scores 101 while Scottsdale scores 103. Both cities are close to the national average for grocery costs.
Healthcare costs in Madison (105) are higher than Scottsdale (95). Both are close to the national average.
Median household income in Madison is $67,565 compared to $92,298 in Scottsdale. When adjusted for cost of living, income goes further in Madison.
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