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Madison, WI

Cost of living in Madison, Wisconsin

Dane County, WI

Part of the Madison Metro Area

Estimated monthly cost
$3,427/mo
for a single person, all categories combined

Population 564,777 · Last updated May 21, 2026

Cost breakdown

Single person, by category, per month.

Rent $1,282 37%
Federal tax $665 19%
Healthcare $480 14%
Groceries $329 10%
Transport $250 7%
State tax $192 6%
Energy $179 5%
Water $50 1%

Rent in Madison

Fair Market Rents by bedroom count.

Studio
$1,080
per month
1 bedroom
$1,282
per month
2 bedroom
$1,472
per month
3 bedroom
$1,935
per month
4 bedroom
$2,161
per month

Source: HUD FMR FY2025

Income and earnings in Madison

Annual earnings figures from the Census ACS.

Household income
$88,108
per year
Individual earnings
$50,680
per year
Per capita
$51,486
per year

Source: ACS 2019-2023 5-Year.

Home values in Madison

Average values reported by homeowners.

Average home value
$366,100
Annual property tax
$6,276

Source: ACS 2019-2023 5-Year

Energy costs in Madison

Estimated monthly electricity and gas costs.

Electricity
$121
per month · 17.3¢/kWh
Natural gas
$58
per month
Annual total
$2,148
per year

Source: EIA

Healthcare in Madison

Insurance premiums and coverage rates.

Individual premium
$480
per month
Family premium
$1,350
per month
Uninsured rate
3.6%

Source: ACS + national avg. Marketplace benchmark premiums are second-lowest Silver plan estimates and do not reflect employer plans, subsidies, or out-of-pocket costs. This is not healthcare advice.

Taxes in Madison

State and local tax rates for Wisconsin.

State income tax
7.7%
Top marginal rate
State sales tax
5.0%
Combined sales tax
5.4%
incl. average local

Tax rates change. Consult a qualified tax professional for advice on your specific situation. This is not tax advice.

Transportation in Madison

Commute patterns and estimated costs.

Average commute
20.8 min
Drive alone
65.2%
Public transit
3.1%
Work from home
17.8%

Source: ACS

Monthly cost estimates for Madison

What it costs to live in Madison each month.

Single person
$3,427
per month
  • Rent $1,282
  • Energy $179
  • Water $50
  • Groceries $329
  • Transport $250
  • Healthcare $480
  • Federal tax $665
  • State tax $192
Couple
$4,975
per month
  • Rent $1,472
  • Energy $215
  • Water $60
  • Groceries $545
  • Transport $350
  • Healthcare $864
  • Federal tax $1,112
  • State tax $357
Family
$7,569
per month
  • Rent $1,935
  • Energy $268
  • Water $70
  • Groceries $827
  • Transport $450
  • Healthcare $1,350
  • Childcare $1,200
  • Federal tax $1,112
  • State tax $357

Frequently asked questions about Madison

Common questions about cost of living, rent and salary.

What is the average rent in Madison?

In Madison, Wisconsin, a one-bedroom apartment averages $1,282 per month, a two-bedroom averages $1,472 per month, a three-bedroom averages $1,935 per month, according to HUD Fair Market Rent data.

What is the average salary in Madison?

In Madison, Wisconsin, the average household income is $88,108 per year and individual earnings for full-time workers average $50,680 per year, according to U.S. Census Bureau data.

What is the cost of living in Madison?

The estimated cost of living in Madison, Wisconsin is approximately $3,427 per month for a single person, $4,975 for a couple, $7,569 for a family. This includes rent, utilities, groceries, transportation, healthcare, and taxes.

What is the sales tax rate in Madison?

The combined sales tax rate in Madison, Wisconsin is 5.44%, which includes the Wisconsin state rate of 5.00% plus an average local rate of 0.44%.

Is Madison an affordable place to live?

Based on the data, a single person in Madison, Wisconsin would need approximately $3,427 per month to cover rent, utilities, food, transport, healthcare, and taxes. The average household income is $88,108 per year ($7,342 per month). Madison is relatively affordable compared to the national average.

How much does healthcare cost in Madison?

The ACA marketplace benchmark premium in Madison, Wisconsin is approximately $480 per month for an individual. Approximately 3.6% of residents are uninsured. Actual costs vary based on employer coverage, plan type, and individual circumstances.

What are house prices in Madison?

The average home value in Madison, Wisconsin is $366,100, with average annual property taxes of $6,276, according to U.S. Census Bureau data.

How does Madison compare to other areas?

You can compare Madison, Wisconsin with any other US county using our comparison tool at /compare. Madison is in the Madison, WI metro area.

Other counties in Wisconsin

Browse the full list of counties in Wisconsin, ranked by cost of living.

See all counties in Wisconsin

Compare Madison with another area

Put two counties side by side to see how rent, taxes and everyday costs stack up.

About this data

All figures on this page come from official U.S. government sources, listed below.

  • HUD FMR FY2025
  • ACS 2019-2023 5-Year
  • EIA
  • ACS + national avg
  • ACS
  • USDA + BEA RPP
Methodology All data sources