Madison, MO vs Van Buren, MO

There is a significant gap in the cost of living between these two cities. Van Buren is 18.4% cheaper than Madison. With a cost index of 50 vs 59, the difference would have a meaningful impact on a household's monthly budget. Someone relocating from Van Buren to Madison should plan for substantially higher expenses across most categories.

On the housing front, median rent in Madison is $644/month compared to $369/month in Van Buren — a 75% difference. Home values follow the same pattern: Van Buren is more affordable at $77,400 median vs $86,800.

Median household income in Madison is $44,375 compared to $20,441 in Van Buren (+117.1%). While Madison 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, less than the 21.7% in Van Buren.