salaryMadison is 19% cheaperBased on official 2024 price levels from the U.S. Bureau of Economic Analysis.
I need in San Francisco to live the same way.
🏠 Rent per month
$1,723
$3,201
🛏️ 2-bedroom rent
$1,628
$3,312
💵 Families earn per year
$84,177
$152,036
🔑 Buying a house
$372,900
$1,394,500
📊 Overall prices (U.S. = 100)
97.3
115.6
🏛️ Property tax per year
$6,541
$9,862
⚡ Electric bill per month
$120
$104
👥 People living there
278,001
830,235
Commute to work
19.4 min
30.4 min
College degree
59.9%
60.3%
Own their home
46%
38.2%
Below poverty line
16.4%
11.2%
Unemployment
2.7%
6.1%
Bottom line
- Pick Madison for lower rent, cheaper 2-bedroom apartments, cheaper homes and 2 more.
- Pick San Francisco for higher incomes, a more educated workforce, less poverty.
Pay for the same job
| Job | Madison | San Francisco | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Firefighter | $56,430 | $113,700 | +101% in San Francisco |
| Registered Nurse | $101,190 | $186,610 | +84% in San Francisco |
| Market Research Analyst | $67,990 | $123,250 | +81% in San Francisco |
| Lawyer | $124,130 | $212,500 | +71% in San Francisco |
| Nurse Practitioner | $133,080 | $219,080 | +65% in San Francisco |
| Police Officer | $80,580 | $132,000 | +64% in San Francisco |
| Elementary School Teacher | $63,690 | $101,860 | +60% in San Francisco |
| Dental Hygienist | $100,340 | $146,760 | +46% in San Francisco |
Frequently asked questions
Is Madison or San Francisco cheaper to live in?
Madison is about 19% cheaper overall. Rent is $1,723 a month there versus $3,201 in San Francisco.
What salary do I need in San Francisco to match $60,000 in Madison?
About $71,302 a year gives the same standard of living in San Francisco.
Where do people earn more, Madison or San Francisco?
The typical household earns $84,177 in Madison and $152,036 in San Francisco, 45% more in San Francisco.