salaryMadison is the 2nd-largest city in Wisconsin that we track, with 278,001 residents. Rent is higher than in 53% of U.S. cities. A typical house costs about 4.4 years of household income. Commutes are short, about 19.4 minutes. It is a highly educated city: 59.9% of adults have a college degree.
How much money do I need?
To rent here comfortably, you should earn about $68,920 a year. That is $33 an hour at a full-time job.
Is rent cheaper than other Wisconsin cities?
No. Rent here is more expensive than in most of Wisconsin. It is number 123 of 156 cities from cheapest to most expensive.
Compare Madison with other big cities
Compare Madison to 149 other cities →
How much do households earn in Madison?
Share of households by yearly income. 28.9% of households earn $100,000 or more.
Rent by apartment size in Madison
| Size | Madison | U.S. average |
|---|---|---|
| Studio | $1,224 | $1,338 |
| 1 bedroom | $1,412 | $1,324 |
| 2 bedrooms | $1,628 | $1,509 |
| 3 bedrooms | $1,985 | $1,698 |
| 4 bedrooms | $1,996 | $2,098 |
Median monthly rent plus utilities for all renters, by number of bedrooms.
How expensive is Madison overall?
Everyday prices in the Madison metro area are 3% below the U.S. average (index 97.3, U.S. = 100).
Source: U.S. Bureau of Economic Analysis, Regional Price Parities 2024.
Taxes and bills in Madison
Life in Madison
What jobs pay in Madison
| Job | Median pay | Rent / pay |
|---|---|---|
| Pharmacist | $158,120 | 13.1% |
| Physician Assistant | $133,950 | 15.4% |
| Nurse Practitioner | $133,080 | 15.5% |
| Software Developer | $130,630 | 15.8% |
| Operations Manager | $126,620 | 16.3% |
| Lawyer | $124,130 | 16.7% |
| Registered Nurse | $101,190 | 20.4% |
| Computer Systems Analyst | $100,550 | 20.6% |
| Dental Hygienist | $100,340 | 20.6% |
| Civil Engineer | $99,010 | 20.9% |
| Plumber | $85,160 | 24.3% |
| Accountant | $81,130 | 25.5% |
| Police Officer | $80,580 | 25.7% |
| Electrician | $78,430 | 26.4% |
| Market Research Analyst | $67,990 | 30.4% |
| Licensed Practical Nurse | $64,550 | 32.0% |
| Elementary School Teacher | $63,690 | 32.5% |
| Carpenter | $63,480 | 32.6% |
| HVAC Technician | $63,150 | 32.7% |
| Truck Driver | $59,700 | 34.6% |
| Firefighter | $56,430 | 36.6% |
| Medical Assistant | $48,750 | 42.4% |
| Customer Service Representative | $47,500 | 43.5% |
| Nursing Assistant | $45,260 | 45.7% |
| Warehouse Worker | $44,190 | 46.8% |
| Restaurant Cook | $38,440 | 53.8% |
| Retail Salesperson | $35,830 | 57.7% |
| Cashier | $34,550 | 59.8% |
| Server (Waiter/Waitress) | $30,910 | 66.9% |
Is it cheaper to rent or buy in Madison?
Renting is cheaper right now: about $864 a month less.
Owning assumes a typical $372,900 home, 10% down, a 30-year loan at 6.5% and about 1.5% a year for taxes and insurance. You would also need $37,290 for the down payment.
Frequently asked questions
What is the average rent in Madison, WI?
Renting in Madison costs a median of about $1,723 a month in 2026, including utilities. The Wisconsin median is $1,305.
How much do I need to make to live in Madison?
To keep rent under 30% of income, you need about $68,920 a year, or $33 an hour at a full-time job.
Is Madison cheap or expensive?
Madison is rated OK: rent takes 24.6% of the typical household income of $84,177. It ranks 123rd cheapest of 156 Wisconsin cities we track.
How much are property taxes in Madison?
The median homeowner in Madison pays $6,541 a year in property taxes, about 1.75% of the median home value.
Is Madison more expensive than the national average?
Overall prices in the metro area are 3% below the U.S. average, according to the U.S. Bureau of Economic Analysis.
How much does a house cost in Madison?
The median home value in Madison is $372,900, about 4.4 times the typical yearly household income.
278,001 people live in Madison. Numbers are typical (middle) values.