salaryMadison is 10% cheaperBased on official 2024 price levels from the U.S. Bureau of Economic Analysis.
I need in Madison to live the same way.
🏠 Rent per month
$3,112
$1,723
🛏️ 2-bedroom rent
$2,480
$1,628
💵 Families earn per year
$104,986
$84,177
🔑 Buying a house
$731,700
$372,900
📊 Overall prices (U.S. = 100)
108.3
97.3
🏛️ Property tax per year
$4,456
$6,541
⚡ Electric bill per month
$113
$120
👥 People living there
666,442
278,001
Commute to work
30.3 min
19.4 min
College degree
54.9%
59.9%
Own their home
35.7%
46%
Below poverty line
16.6%
16.4%
Unemployment
6.1%
2.7%
Bottom line
- Pick Boston for higher incomes.
- Pick Madison for lower rent, cheaper 2-bedroom apartments, cheaper homes and 4 more.
Pay for the same job
| Job | Boston | Madison | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Elementary School Teacher | $98,060 | $63,690 | -35% in Madison |
| Market Research Analyst | $102,390 | $67,990 | -34% in Madison |
| Lawyer | $183,350 | $124,130 | -32% in Madison |
| Firefighter | $73,990 | $56,430 | -24% in Madison |
| Computer Systems Analyst | $129,180 | $100,550 | -22% in Madison |
| Licensed Practical Nurse | $82,190 | $64,550 | -21% in Madison |
| Software Developer | $166,090 | $130,630 | -21% in Madison |
| Server (Waiter/Waitress) | $39,270 | $30,910 | -21% in Madison |
Frequently asked questions
Is Boston or Madison cheaper to live in?
Madison is about 10% cheaper overall. Rent is $1,723 a month there versus $3,112 in Boston.
What salary do I need in Madison to match $60,000 in Boston?
About $53,916 a year gives the same standard of living in Madison.
Where do people earn more, Boston or Madison?
The typical household earns $104,986 in Boston and $84,177 in Madison, 25% more in Boston.