Is Madison expensive to live in?

Madison is considered moderately expensive, with a cost index of 105 compared to the US average of 100. Living here costs about 5% more than the national average. The median monthly rent is $1,649, and the median household income is $76,983.

What salary do you need to live comfortably in Madison?

Using the standard 30% rent-to-income rule, you need at least $65,960/year to afford median rent in Madison. The median household income is $76,983, giving a rent-to-income ratio of 26%. Financial experts recommend keeping rent below 30% of gross income.

What is the average rent in Madison?

The median rent in Madison is $1,649 per month. Housing costs score 113 against the national average of 100, meaning housing is 13% more expensive than the US average.

How does Madison compare to the national average cost of living?

Madison's overall cost index is 105 vs the national average of 100. Breaking it down: housing (113), food & groceries (103), transportation (100), utilities (97), and healthcare (109). Madison is above average in most categories.

Is Madison, Wisconsin a good place to live?

Madison has a population of 280,305 and a median household income of $76,983. With a cost index of 105, it offers a higher-cost lifestyle. The rent-to-income ratio is 26%, which is within healthy financial guidelines.

What are the cheapest cities near Madison?

To find the most affordable cities near Madison in Wisconsin, use the Livably city comparison tool or browse the Wisconsin state page. You can compare rent, cost index, income, and affordability side by side across all tracked cities.

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Madison

Monthly city intelligence across housing costs, tax load, and affordability signals to help you plan your next move with clearer numbers.

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Cost index: 105

Median rent: $1,649

Median income: $76,983

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About Madison

Living in Madison, Wisconsin

Madison, Wisconsin is a mid-size city with a population of approximately 280,305. The overall cost of living index sits at 105, which is near the national average of 100. This means everyday expenses — housing, groceries, transportation, and healthcare — are roughly 5% more expensive compared to the typical U.S. city.

Housing is the largest cost driver in Madison. Median rent is $1,649 per month, while the median home price is $415,530. At a median household income of $76,983, rent consumes roughly 26% of gross income, which remains manageable relative to local incomes. The housing sub-index of 113 sits close to the national norm.

Beyond housing, healthcare is the most elevated non-shelter expense in Madison with a sub-index of 109, while utilities is comparatively more affordable at 97. State-level taxes also shape the true cost of living: Wisconsin applies a 7.65% income tax rate, and property tax averages 1.51% of assessed home value. The combined sales tax rate is 5.44%. Local income tax may apply in some municipalities.

Over the past twelve months, the cost of living in Madison has remained relatively stable. Among the 2 tracked cities in Wisconsin, Madison ranks #2 from most to least affordable. Whether you're evaluating a job offer, planning a relocation, or comparing salary purchasing power, these numbers give a grounded, data-backed view of what life in Madison actually costs.

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