salaryMadison is 6% 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
$1,983
$1,723
🛏️ 2-bedroom rent
$1,622
$1,628
💵 Families earn per year
$84,017
$84,177
🔑 Buying a house
$334,100
$372,900
📊 Overall prices (U.S. = 100)
103.6
97.3
🏛️ Property tax per year
$4,943
$6,541
⚡ Electric bill per month
$90
$120
👥 People living there
2,711,226
278,001
Commute to work
33.1 min
19.4 min
College degree
44.3%
59.9%
Own their home
46%
46%
Below poverty line
16.8%
16.4%
Unemployment
8%
2.7%
Bottom line
- Pick Chicago for cheaper 2-bedroom apartments, cheaper homes.
- Pick Madison for lower rent, higher incomes, shorter commutes and 3 more.
Pay for the same job
| Job | Chicago | Madison | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Firefighter | $82,820 | $56,430 | -32% in Madison |
| Police Officer | $107,810 | $80,580 | -25% in Madison |
| Lawyer | $165,660 | $124,130 | -25% in Madison |
| Electrician | $102,350 | $78,430 | -23% in Madison |
| Carpenter | $80,440 | $63,480 | -21% in Madison |
| HVAC Technician | $77,960 | $63,150 | -19% in Madison |
| Elementary School Teacher | $78,390 | $63,690 | -19% in Madison |
| Plumber | $103,380 | $85,160 | -18% in Madison |
Frequently asked questions
Is Chicago or Madison cheaper to live in?
Madison is about 6% cheaper overall. Rent is $1,723 a month there versus $1,983 in Chicago.
What salary do I need in Madison to match $60,000 in Chicago?
About $56,347 a year gives the same standard of living in Madison.
Where do people earn more, Chicago or Madison?
The typical household earns $84,017 in Chicago and $84,177 in Madison, 0% more in Madison.