Side-by-side cost of living comparison for 2026
12% cheaper
Tucson is 12% more affordable than Madison. A $75,000 salary in Madison is equivalent to $65,802 in Tucson.
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 Tucson sits at 83 (national average = 100). The median home in Madison costs $340,000 compared to $265,000 in Tucson, a difference of $75,000. Monthly rent follows a similar pattern: $1,400 in Madison versus $1,100 in Tucson.
Groceries and everyday expenses show a narrower gap: Madison scores 101 while Tucson scores 98. Both cities are close to the national average for grocery costs.
Healthcare costs in Madison (105) are higher than Tucson (93). Both are close to the national average.
Median household income in Madison is $67,565 compared to $43,425 in Tucson. When adjusted for cost of living, income goes further in Tucson.
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