salaryMadison is 14% cheaperBased on official 2024 price levels from the U.S. Bureau of Economic Analysis.
I need in Seattle to live the same way.
🏠 Rent per month
$1,723
$2,273
🛏️ 2-bedroom rent
$1,628
$2,549
💵 Families earn per year
$84,177
$133,583
🔑 Buying a house
$372,900
$938,600
📊 Overall prices (U.S. = 100)
97.3
111.1
🏛️ Property tax per year
$6,541
$7,337
⚡ Electric bill per month
$120
$109
👥 People living there
278,001
754,195
Commute to work
19.4 min
26 min
College degree
59.9%
68.4%
Own their home
46%
43.7%
Below poverty line
16.4%
9.9%
Unemployment
2.7%
4.6%
Bottom line
- Pick Madison for lower rent, cheaper 2-bedroom apartments, cheaper homes and 2 more.
- Pick Seattle for higher incomes, a more educated workforce, less poverty.
Pay for the same job
| Job | Madison | Seattle | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Server (Waiter/Waitress) | $30,910 | $57,280 | +85% in Seattle |
| Firefighter | $56,430 | $101,090 | +79% in Seattle |
| Elementary School Teacher | $63,690 | $102,920 | +62% in Seattle |
| Market Research Analyst | $67,990 | $102,170 | +50% in Seattle |
| Police Officer | $80,580 | $115,120 | +43% in Seattle |
| Dental Hygienist | $100,340 | $133,740 | +33% in Seattle |
| Computer Systems Analyst | $100,550 | $133,690 | +33% in Seattle |
| Lawyer | $124,130 | $164,980 | +33% in Seattle |
Frequently asked questions
Is Madison or Seattle cheaper to live in?
Madison is about 14% cheaper overall. Rent is $1,723 a month there versus $2,273 in Seattle.
What salary do I need in Seattle to match $60,000 in Madison?
About $68,539 a year gives the same standard of living in Seattle.
Where do people earn more, Madison or Seattle?
The typical household earns $84,177 in Madison and $133,583 in Seattle, 37% more in Seattle.