Quick answer
Madison costs $205/month less overall ($1,880 vs $2,085/mo). But Orlando's None state income tax erases some of that gap — on an $80K salary, the tax difference is $6,120/year.
City Comparison · 2026
Madison vs Orlando
Side-by-side on rent, home prices, taxes, walkability, jobs, and climate — with a straight verdict for each type of mover.
Last updated: October 19, 2026
Madison vs Orlando at a Glance
| Metric | Madison | Orlando |
|---|---|---|
| 1BR Monthly Rent | $1,380 ✓ | $1,980 |
| 2BR Monthly Rent | $1,720 ✓ | $1,980 |
| Median Home Price | $370K ✓ | $370K |
| Avg Utilities/mo | $145 ✓ | $165 |
| Avg Groceries/mo | $355 | $340 ✓ |
| Monthly Cost (1BR) | $1,880 ✓ | $2,085 |
| Walk Score | 63/100 ✓ | 41/100 |
| Transit Score | 46/100 ✓ | 30/100 |
| State Income Tax | 7.65% | None ✓ |
Monthly cost = 1BR rent + utilities + groceries for one person. ✓ marks the lower/better value.
Cost of Living: What the Numbers Actually Mean
Rent gap: Madison's 1BR averages $1,380/month vs $1,580 in Orlando — a $200/month difference, or $2,400/year. That's a meaningful gap worth factoring into your decision.
State tax: Orlando charges None state income tax vs 7.65% in Madison. On an $80K salary that's a $6,120/year difference. On $120K, the gap grows to $9,180 vs $0 — important context if you're choosing between tech job offers.
Home buying: Both cities have similar median home prices around $370K.
Utilities: Orlando utilities run $20 more per month than Madison.
Walkability, Transit & Daily Life
Madison, WI
Madison's walkability means you can genuinely live without a car in the right neighborhoods.
TOP NEIGHBORHOODS
Orlando, FL
Orlando is partially walkable in denser neighborhoods but car-dependent in most areas.
TOP NEIGHBORHOODS
Climate
Madison
Four seasons; brutal winters (lakes freeze solid for skating), warm summers, beautiful fall; 189 sunny days
Orlando
Subtropical: hot humid summers with daily afternoon thunderstorms; mild dry winters (60s°F)
Job Market
Madison top industries
Orlando top industries
Who Should Pick Which City
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
Move to Orlando if…
- →You're a hospitality / tourism workers
- →You're a healthcare professionals
- →You're a remote workers
- →You're a families
- →You want zero state income tax
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Madison or Orlando cheaper to live in?
Madison is cheaper overall. Monthly costs (1BR rent + utilities + groceries) run $1,880 in Madison vs $2,085 in Orlando — a $205/month difference.
Which city is more walkable — Madison or Orlando?
Madison is more walkable with a Walk Score of 63/100 vs 41/100. Orlando is more car-dependent.
Madison vs Orlando: which has lower state income tax?
Orlando has lower state income tax (None). On an $80K salary, that saves $6,120/year vs Madison (7.65%).
Is Madison or Orlando better for buying a home?
Madison and Orlando have similar median home prices around $370K.