Cost of Living in Madison, WI
2026 data for Madison, WI • Population: 269,840
+3% more expensive than the US average (100)
1-Bedroom Rent
Average monthly rent for a one-bedroom apartment
2-Bedroom Rent
Average monthly rent for a two-bedroom apartment
Median Income
Median household income in Madison
Population
Estimated population of Madison
How Far Does Your Salary Go?
A salary in Madison has different purchasing power than the national average. Use the equivalence below to understand what your salary is worth compared to the US average.
Formula: Your salary in Madison ÷ COL index × 100 = equivalent national salary. A $48,544 national salary gives you the same purchasing power as $50,000 in Madison.
Housing Affordability Analysis
Rent as % of Income
For a 1-bedroom apartment at median income. Experts suggest under 30% is affordable.
Monthly Rent to Income
Ratio of monthly income to monthly 1-bedroom rent.
What is a Cost of Living Index?
A cost of living index measures the relative cost of goods and services in a city compared to a national baseline (set at 100). An index of 150 means the city is 50% more expensive than average. An index of 80 means it's 20% cheaper than average.
The index typically includes housing, groceries, utilities, transportation, and healthcare—the major expense categories for households.
Compare with Other Cities
See how Madison's cost of living stacks up against nearby and similar cities.
Financial Tools to Explore
Use these Pulsafi calculators to plan your finances based on Madison's cost of living.
Salary Breakdown Calculator
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Rent vs Buy Calculator
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Budget Calculator
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Mortgage Calculator
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Cost of Living Guide for Madison, WI
Overview
Madison has a cost of living index of 103, making it 3% more expensive than the national average. With a population of 269,840 and a median household income of $57,456, understanding the true cost of living here is essential for financial planning.
Housing Market
The housing market in Madison reflects its cost of living index. A one-bedroom apartment averages $1,350 per month, while a two-bedroom apartment costs approximately $1,750 per month. For renters, this typically consumes 28.2% of the median household income—within the recommended 30% threshold.
Income and Affordability
With a median household income of $57,456, Madison residents earn slightly below the national median. When factoring in the local cost of living, a salary of $72,816in Madison provides the same purchasing power as $75,000 nationally.
Moving to Madison
Whether you're relocating for work or considering a move, understanding the cost of living in Madison is crucial. Use our calculators to determine if your salary can support your desired lifestyle here. Consider not just rent, but also food, utilities, transportation, and healthcare when budgeting.
Saving and Investing
Once you understand your cost of living in Madison, you can better plan your savings and investment strategy. Our financial tools help you determine how much you can realistically save each month and optimize your financial goals.