Quick answer
Plano costs $15/month less overall ($1,865 vs $1,880/mo). Plano also has lower state income tax (None vs 7.65%), widening the advantage for higher earners.
City Comparison · 2026
Madison vs Plano
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
Madison vs Plano at a Glance
| Metric | Madison | Plano |
|---|---|---|
| 1BR Monthly Rent | $1,380 ✓ | $1,750 |
| 2BR Monthly Rent | $1,720 ✓ | $1,750 |
| Median Home Price | $370K ✓ | $475K |
| Avg Utilities/mo | $145 ✓ | $155 |
| Avg Groceries/mo | $355 | $310 ✓ |
| Monthly Cost (1BR) | $1,880 | $1,865 ✓ |
| Walk Score | 63/100 ✓ | 58/100 |
| Transit Score | 46/100 ✓ | 28/100 |
| 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: Plano's 1BR averages $1,380/month vs $1,400 in Madison — a $20/month difference, or $240/year. That's close enough that neighborhood choice within each city matters more than the city-level average.
State tax: Plano 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: Median homes in Madison are $370K vs $475K in Plano. At a 20% down payment, that's a $21,000 difference in upfront cash — significant at early-career savings rates.
Utilities: Plano utilities run $10 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
Plano, TX
Plano 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
Plano
Hot, humid subtropical. Summers (June-September) reach 95-98°F with 60-70% humidity. Winters are mild (50-65°F). Occasional ice storms; severe thunderstorms and tornado risk May-June.
Job Market
Madison top industries
Plano 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
- →You're buying a home and want more for your money
Move to Plano if…
- →You're a Tech workers
- →You're a Corporate professionals
- →You're a Families seeking suburbs
- →You're a People avoiding state income tax
- →You want zero state income tax
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Madison or Plano cheaper to live in?
Plano is cheaper overall. Monthly costs (1BR rent + utilities + groceries) run $1,865 in Plano vs $1,880 in Madison — a $15/month difference.
Which city is more walkable — Madison or Plano?
Madison is more walkable with a Walk Score of 63/100 vs 58/100. Plano is more car-dependent.
Madison vs Plano: which has lower state income tax?
Plano has lower state income tax (None). On an $80K salary, that saves $6,120/year vs Madison (7.65%).
Is Madison or Plano better for buying a home?
Madison has lower median home prices at $370K vs $475K in Plano — a $105,000 difference on the median home.