Madison, IN vs Pendleton, IN

There is a significant gap in the cost of living between these two cities. Madison is 16.6% cheaper than Pendleton. With a cost index of 73 vs 87, the difference would have a meaningful impact on a household's monthly budget. Someone relocating from Madison to Pendleton should plan for substantially higher expenses across most categories.

On the housing front, median rent in Madison is $827/month compared to $1,154/month in Pendleton — a 28% difference. Home values follow the same pattern: Madison is more affordable at $186,600 median vs $236,200.

Median household income in Madison is $57,050 compared to $87,971 in Pendleton (-35.1%). While Pendleton is more expensive, its higher salaries more than compensate — residents there may actually end up with more disposable income. Looking at affordability, residents of Madison spend roughly 17.4% of their income on rent, more than the 15.7% in Pendleton.