Cost of Living in Madison, Wisconsin (2026)
COL Index
97
100 = US avg
1BR Rent
$1,650
per month
Median HHI
$68K
per year
State Tax
7.7%
income tax
Full cost breakdown
| Category | Madison |
|---|---|
| 🏠 HousingQ1 2026 | |
| Studio rent/mo | $1,300 |
| 1BR rent/mo | $1,650 |
| 2BR rent/mo | $2,200 |
| Median home price | $360K |
| 🛒 Food & GroceriesQ1 2026 | |
| Groceries index (100 = US avg) | 101 |
| Budget meal (1 person) | $14 |
| Mid-range dinner (2 people) | $58 |
| 🚌 TransportationQ1 2026 | |
| Monthly transit pass/mo | $62 |
| Gas price/gal | $3.20 |
| Car insurance/moCompare rates → | $145 |
| ⚡ UtilitiesQ1 2026 | |
| Utilities bundle (elec + gas + water)/mo | $162 |
| Internet/mo | $63 |
| 💰 Income & TaxesQ1 2026 | |
| Median household income/yr | $68K |
| State income tax rate | 7.7% |
| Sales tax (combined) | 5.4% |
| 📊 OverviewQ1 2026 | |
| Overall COL index (100 = US avg) | 97 |
| Walk score / 100 | 55 |
Is Madison affordable on your salary?
How rent burden (1BR) changes across income levels. Under 30% is comfortable; above 40% is tight.
$40K
~$2,472/mo take-home
67% rent burden · Difficult
$50K
~$2,840/mo take-home
58% rent burden · Difficult
$60K
~$3,408/mo take-home
48% rent burden · Difficult
$75K
~$4,259/mo take-home
39% rent burden · Tight
$80K
~$4,543/mo take-home
36% rent burden · Tight
$100K
~$5,679/mo take-home
29% rent burden · Manageable
$120K
~$6,385/mo take-home
26% rent burden · Comfortable
$150K
~$7,981/mo take-home
21% rent burden · Very comfortable
Madison costs less than the US average. Put the difference to work.
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Data: Zillow Observed Rent Index, BLS, Numbeo, Tax Foundation, US Census ACS · Q1 2026 · For general guidance only