Side-by-side cost of living comparison for 2026
9% cheaper
Madison is 9% more affordable than Tacoma. A $75,000 salary in Tacoma is equivalent to $67,949 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 · Washington salaries
Housing is typically the biggest factor in any cost-of-living comparison. Madison has a housing index of 115 while Tacoma sits at 140 (national average = 100). The median home in Madison costs $340,000 compared to $400,000 in Tacoma, a difference of $60,000. Monthly rent follows a similar pattern: $1,400 in Madison versus $1,600 in Tacoma.
Groceries and everyday expenses show a narrower gap: Madison scores 101 while Tacoma scores 105. Both cities are close to the national average for grocery costs.
Healthcare costs in Madison (105) are lower than Tacoma (106). Both are close to the national average.
Median household income in Madison is $67,565 compared to $58,974 in Tacoma. When adjusted for cost of living, income goes further in Madison.
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