Quick answer
Fayetteville costs $410/month less overall ($1,470 vs $1,880/mo). Fayetteville also has lower state income tax (4.4% vs 7.65%), widening the advantage for higher earners.
City Comparison · 2026
Fayetteville vs Madison
Side-by-side on rent, home prices, taxes, walkability, jobs, and climate — with a straight verdict for each type of mover.
Last updated: April 23, 2026
Fayetteville vs Madison at a Glance
| Metric | Fayetteville | Madison |
|---|---|---|
| 1BR Monthly Rent | $1,050 ✓ | $1,720 |
| 2BR Monthly Rent | $1,300 ✓ | $1,720 |
| Median Home Price | $380K | $370K ✓ |
| Avg Utilities/mo | $120 ✓ | $145 |
| Avg Groceries/mo | $300 ✓ | $355 |
| Monthly Cost (1BR) | $1,470 ✓ | $1,880 |
| Walk Score | 65/100 ✓ | 63/100 |
| Transit Score | 35/100 | 46/100 ✓ |
| State Income Tax | 4.4% ✓ | 7.65% |
Monthly cost = 1BR rent + utilities + groceries for one person. ✓ marks the lower/better value.
Cost of Living: What the Numbers Actually Mean
Rent gap: Fayetteville's 1BR averages $1,050/month vs $1,380 in Madison — a $330/month difference, or $3,960/year. That's a meaningful gap worth factoring into your decision.
State tax: Fayetteville charges 4.4% state income tax vs 7.65% in Madison. On an $80K salary that's a $2,600/year difference. On $120K, the gap grows to $9,180 vs $5,280 — important context if you're choosing between tech job offers.
Home buying: Median homes in Madison are $370K vs $380K in Fayetteville. At a 20% down payment, that's a $2,000 difference in upfront cash — significant at early-career savings rates.
Utilities: Madison utilities run $25 more per month than Fayetteville.
Walkability, Transit & Daily Life
Fayetteville, AR
Fayetteville's walkability means you can genuinely live without a car in the right neighborhoods.
TOP NEIGHBORHOODS
Madison, WI
Madison's walkability means you can genuinely live without a car in the right neighborhoods.
TOP NEIGHBORHOODS
Climate
Fayetteville
Humid subtropical with warm summers (88°F average), mild winters (40°F average), and high spring tornado risk. Annual precipitation 49 inches.
Madison
Four seasons; brutal winters (lakes freeze solid for skating), warm summers, beautiful fall; 189 sunny days
Job Market
Fayetteville top industries
Madison top industries
Who Should Pick Which City
Move to Fayetteville if…
- →You're a Tech workers and software engineers
- →You're a Walmart employees
- →You're a Families seeking good schools
- →You're a Outdoor enthusiasts (hiking, biking)
- →You want to live without a car
Move to Madison if…
- →You're a researchers / academics
- →You're a tech workers
- →You're a outdoor / lake lifestyle seekers
- →You're a progressive culture seekers
- →You're buying a home and want more for your money
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Fayetteville or Madison cheaper to live in?
Fayetteville is cheaper overall. Monthly costs (1BR rent + utilities + groceries) run $1,470 in Fayetteville vs $1,880 in Madison — a $410/month difference.
Which city is more walkable — Fayetteville or Madison?
Fayetteville is more walkable with a Walk Score of 65/100 vs 63/100. Madison is more car-dependent.
Fayetteville vs Madison: which has lower state income tax?
Fayetteville has lower state income tax (4.4%). On an $80K salary, that saves $2,600/year vs Madison (7.65%).
Is Fayetteville or Madison better for buying a home?
Madison has lower median home prices at $370K vs $380K in Fayetteville — a $10,000 difference on the median home.