North America Updated
Average Cost of Living in Madison
The average cost of living in Madison, United States is $2,135 per month for a single person, and $4,427 per month for a family of four. A one-bedroom apartment rents for around $1,718 per month. The local average net salary is $4,315 per month.
Affordable
Updated today
Index 48.5 · NYC = 100
Estimated monthly cost
- Single person
- $2,135 / month
- Family of 4
- $4,427 / mo
- Student
- $1,240 / mo
Includes rent, food, utilities, transport, and dining out. Excludes healthcare, taxes, and discretionary travel.
Salary that covers life in Madison
Adjust the household and see the gap or surplus vs. typical local pay.
Interactive
You need at least
$0 / month
Annual gross (25% tax)
$0
vs. local average net salary
$4,315 / month
On this page 11 sections
| Section | Description |
|---|---|
| Salary calculator for Madison | Find out the monthly salary needed for a single, family, or student lifestyle. |
| Rent & Property Prices in Madison | Apartment rent and property purchase price per square meter. |
| Grocery Prices in Madison | Supermarket prices for staples like bread, milk, produce, and meat. |
| Public Transport & Car Costs in Madison | Public transport tickets, taxi fares, fuel, and vehicle prices. |
| Utility & Internet Costs in Madison | Monthly electricity, heating, water, mobile, and broadband bills. |
| Childcare & Preschool in Madison | Preschool fees and international school tuition. |
| Clothing Prices in Madison | Jeans, dresses, running shoes, and leather shoes from chain stores. |
| Gym, Cinema & Leisure in Madison | Gym memberships, tennis court rentals, and cinema tickets. |
| Restaurant Prices in Madison | Meals at inexpensive and mid-range restaurants, coffee, and soft drinks. |
| Salaries & Mortgages in Madison | Average monthly net salary and mortgage interest rates. |
| Madison FAQs | Common questions about rent, salaries, food, and transport in Madison. |
Rent & Property Prices in Madison
Apartment rent and property purchase price per square meter.
| Item | Median | Range (low–high) |
|---|---|---|
| 1 Bedroom Apartment in City Centre | $1,718 | $1,500 – $2,300 |
| 1 Bedroom Apartment Outside of City Centre | $1,473 | $1,200 – $1,800 |
| 3 Bedroom Apartment in City Centre | $3,045 | $2,500 – $4,500 |
| 3 Bedroom Apartment Outside of City Centre | $2,433 | $2,000 – $3,000 |
| Price per Square Meter to Buy Apartment in City Centre | $4,340 | $2,794 – $4,450 |
| Price per Square Meter to Buy Apartment Outside of Centre | $2,514 | $2,508 – $2,540 |
- 1 Bedroom Apartment in City Centre $1,718$1,500 – $2,300
- 1 Bedroom Apartment Outside of City Centre $1,473$1,200 – $1,800
- 3 Bedroom Apartment in City Centre $3,045$2,500 – $4,500
- 3 Bedroom Apartment Outside of City Centre $2,433$2,000 – $3,000
- Price per Square Meter to Buy Apartment in City Centre $4,340$2,794 – $4,450
- Price per Square Meter to Buy Apartment Outside of Centre $2,514$2,508 – $2,540
Grocery Prices in Madison
Supermarket prices for staples like bread, milk, produce, and meat.
| Item | Median | Range (low–high) |
|---|---|---|
| Milk (Regular, 1 Liter) | $0.98 | $0.70 – $1.16 |
| Fresh White Bread (500 g Loaf) | $3.89 | $2.19 – $7.72 |
| White Rice (1 kg) | $5.33 | $2.50 – $6.61 |
| Eggs (12, Large Size) | $3.78 | $1.69 – $6.00 |
| Local Cheese (1 kg) | $15 | $11 – $20 |
| Chicken Fillets (1 kg) | $14 | $8.36 – $18 |
| Beef Round or Equivalent Back Leg Red Meat (1 kg) | $20 | $11 – $33 |
| Apples (1 kg) | $4.70 | $2.93 – $8.80 |
| Bananas (1 kg) | $1.49 | $1.21 – $2.40 |
| Oranges (1 kg) | $5.07 | $2.20 – $13 |
| Tomatoes (1 kg) | $4.96 | $3.28 – $7.43 |
| Potatoes (1 kg) | $2.75 | $1.96 – $3.51 |
| Onions (1 kg) | $3.15 | $2.18 – $4.41 |
| Lettuce (1 Head) | $2.12 | $1.90 – $2.30 |
| Bottled Water (1.5 Liter) | $2.30 | $1.40 – $3.00 |
| Bottle of Wine (Mid-Range) | $16 | $10 – $19 |
| Domestic Beer (0.5 Liter Bottle) | $2.65 | $2.10 – $3.00 |
| Imported Beer (0.33 Liter Bottle) | $4.37 | $2.30 – $6.00 |
| Cigarettes (Pack of 20, Marlboro) | $10 | $9.90 – $12 |
- Milk (Regular, 1 Liter) $0.98$0.70 – $1.16
- Fresh White Bread (500 g Loaf) $3.89$2.19 – $7.72
- White Rice (1 kg) $5.33$2.50 – $6.61
- Eggs (12, Large Size) $3.78$1.69 – $6.00
- Local Cheese (1 kg) $15$11 – $20
- Chicken Fillets (1 kg) $14$8.36 – $18
- Beef Round or Equivalent Back Leg Red Meat (1 kg) $20$11 – $33
- Apples (1 kg) $4.70$2.93 – $8.80
- Bananas (1 kg) $1.49$1.21 – $2.40
- Oranges (1 kg) $5.07$2.20 – $13
- Tomatoes (1 kg) $4.96$3.28 – $7.43
- Potatoes (1 kg) $2.75$1.96 – $3.51
- Onions (1 kg) $3.15$2.18 – $4.41
- Lettuce (1 Head) $2.12$1.90 – $2.30
- Bottled Water (1.5 Liter) $2.30$1.40 – $3.00
- Bottle of Wine (Mid-Range) $16$10 – $19
- Domestic Beer (0.5 Liter Bottle) $2.65$2.10 – $3.00
- Imported Beer (0.33 Liter Bottle) $4.37$2.30 – $6.00
- Cigarettes (Pack of 20, Marlboro) $10$9.90 – $12
Public Transport & Car Costs in Madison
Public transport tickets, taxi fares, fuel, and vehicle prices.
| Item | Median | Range (low–high) |
|---|---|---|
| One-Way Ticket (Local Transport) | $2.00 | $2.00 – $2.50 |
| Monthly Public Transport Pass (Regular Price) | $65 | $60 – $65 |
| Taxi Start (Standard Tariff) | $4.00 | $4.00 – $4.00 |
| Taxi 1 km (Standard Tariff) | $2.00 | $2.00 – $2.00 |
| Taxi 1 Hour Waiting (Standard Tariff) | $44 | $44 – $44 |
| Gasoline (1 Liter) | $0.85 | $0.73 – $1.16 |
| Volkswagen Golf 1.5 (or Equivalent New Compact Car) | $33,577 | $25,000 – $35,957 |
| Toyota Corolla Sedan 1.6 (or Equivalent New Mid-Size Car) | $25,256 | $24,776 – $25,458 |
- One-Way Ticket (Local Transport) $2.00$2.00 – $2.50
- Monthly Public Transport Pass (Regular Price) $65$60 – $65
- Taxi Start (Standard Tariff) $4.00$4.00 – $4.00
- Taxi 1 km (Standard Tariff) $2.00$2.00 – $2.00
- Taxi 1 Hour Waiting (Standard Tariff) $44$44 – $44
- Gasoline (1 Liter) $0.85$0.73 – $1.16
- Volkswagen Golf 1.5 (or Equivalent New Compact Car) $33,577$25,000 – $35,957
- Toyota Corolla Sedan 1.6 (or Equivalent New Mid-Size Car) $25,256$24,776 – $25,458
Utility & Internet Costs in Madison
Monthly electricity, heating, water, mobile, and broadband bills.
| Item | Median | Range (low–high) |
|---|---|---|
| Basic Utilities for 85 m2 Apartment (Electricity, Heating, Cooling, Water, Garbage) | $224 | $150 – $400 |
| Mobile Phone Plan (Monthly, with Calls and 10GB+ Data) | $48 | $25 – $75 |
| Broadband Internet (Unlimited Data, 60 Mbps or Higher) | $76 | $50 – $100 |
- Basic Utilities for 85 m2 Apartment (Electricity, Heating, Cooling, Water, Garbage) $224$150 – $400
- Mobile Phone Plan (Monthly, with Calls and 10GB+ Data) $48$25 – $75
- Broadband Internet (Unlimited Data, 60 Mbps or Higher) $76$50 – $100
Childcare & Preschool in Madison
Preschool fees and international school tuition.
| Item | Median | Range (low–high) |
|---|---|---|
| Private Full-Day Preschool or Kindergarten, Monthly Fee per Child | $1,664 | $1,600 – $1,792 |
| International Primary School, Annual Tuition per Child | $23,205 | $15,700 – $24,601 |
- Private Full-Day Preschool or Kindergarten, Monthly Fee per Child $1,664$1,600 – $1,792
- International Primary School, Annual Tuition per Child $23,205$15,700 – $24,601
Clothing Prices in Madison
Jeans, dresses, running shoes, and leather shoes from chain stores.
| Item | Median | Range (low–high) |
|---|---|---|
| Jeans (Levi's 501 or Similar) | $63 | $50 – $80 |
| Summer Dress in a Chain Store (e.g. Zara or H&M) | $47 | $40 – $60 |
| Nike Running Shoes (Mid-Range) | $101 | $75 – $120 |
| Men's Leather Business Shoes | $122 | $80 – $140 |
- Jeans (Levi's 501 or Similar) $63$50 – $80
- Summer Dress in a Chain Store (e.g. Zara or H&M) $47$40 – $60
- Nike Running Shoes (Mid-Range) $101$75 – $120
- Men's Leather Business Shoes $122$80 – $140
Gym, Cinema & Leisure in Madison
Gym memberships, tennis court rentals, and cinema tickets.
| Item | Median | Range (low–high) |
|---|---|---|
| Monthly Fitness Club Membership | $64 | $30 – $80 |
| Tennis Court Rental (1 Hour, Weekend) | $10 | $10 – $10 |
| Cinema Ticket (International Release) | $15 | $11 – $25 |
- Monthly Fitness Club Membership $64$30 – $80
- Tennis Court Rental (1 Hour, Weekend) $10$10 – $10
- Cinema Ticket (International Release) $15$11 – $25
Restaurant Prices in Madison
Meals at inexpensive and mid-range restaurants, coffee, and soft drinks.
| Item | Median | Range (low–high) |
|---|---|---|
| Meal at an Inexpensive Restaurant | $18 | $12 – $25 |
| Meal for Two at a Mid-Range Restaurant (Three Courses, Without Drinks) | $62 | $50 – $120 |
| Combo Meal at McDonald's (or Equivalent Fast-Food Meal) | $13 | $11 – $15 |
| Domestic Draft Beer (0.5 Liter) | $6.18 | $5.00 – $8.00 |
| Imported Beer (0.33 Liter Bottle) | $7.00 | $6.00 – $12 |
| Cappuccino (Regular Size) | $5.34 | $4.00 – $8.00 |
| Soft Drink (Coca-Cola or Pepsi, 0.33 Liter Bottle) | $2.84 | $2.00 – $4.00 |
| Bottled Water (0.33 Liter) | $2.37 | $2.00 – $3.09 |
- Meal at an Inexpensive Restaurant $18$12 – $25
- Meal for Two at a Mid-Range Restaurant (Three Courses, Without Drinks) $62$50 – $120
- Combo Meal at McDonald's (or Equivalent Fast-Food Meal) $13$11 – $15
- Domestic Draft Beer (0.5 Liter) $6.18$5.00 – $8.00
- Imported Beer (0.33 Liter Bottle) $7.00$6.00 – $12
- Cappuccino (Regular Size) $5.34$4.00 – $8.00
- Soft Drink (Coca-Cola or Pepsi, 0.33 Liter Bottle) $2.84$2.00 – $4.00
- Bottled Water (0.33 Liter) $2.37$2.00 – $3.09
Salaries & Mortgages in Madison
Average monthly net salary and mortgage interest rates.
| Item | Median | Range (low–high) |
|---|---|---|
| Average Monthly Net Salary (After Tax) | $4,315 | — |
| Annual Mortgage Interest Rate (20-Year Fixed, in %) | 6.25% | — |
- Average Monthly Net Salary (After Tax) $4,315
- Annual Mortgage Interest Rate (20-Year Fixed, in %) 6.25%
Compare Madison with…
Pick any city to see costs side by side.
Related cities
Similar cost tier, nearby, or in the same country.
United States
Reno
Monthly / 1 person
$2,126
vs NYC
48.3/100
United States
Dallas
Monthly / 1 person
$2,165
vs NYC
49.2/100
United States
Nashville
Monthly / 1 person
$2,096
vs NYC
47.6/100
United States
Philadelphia
Monthly / 1 person
$2,093
vs NYC
47.6/100
United States
Phoenix
Monthly / 1 person
$2,178
vs NYC
49.5/100
United States
Vancouver-WA
Monthly / 1 person
$2,188
vs NYC
49.7/100
Frequently asked questions
- How much does it cost to live in Madison?
- An estimated $2,135 per month covers rent, food, utilities, and transport for one person in Madison. A family of four needs around $4,427 per month, while students living shared accommodation manage on roughly $1,240.
- How much money do I need to live in Madison?
- Plan for at least $2,135 per month as a single person, $4,427 per month for a family of four, or $1,240 per month as a student in shared accommodation. Add 15–25% on top for taxes, savings, and discretionary spending — that's the salary you should be targeting before relocating to Madison.
- What is the average rent in Madison?
- A one-bedroom apartment in Madison rents for around $1,718 per month, with three-bedroom apartments in the city centre around $3,045 per month. Prices vary depending on neighbourhood, building age, and furnishings.
- What is the average salary in Madison?
- The average monthly net salary in Madison is around $4,315. Whether that's enough to live comfortably depends on housing choice — rent typically claims 40% of a single-person paycheck.
- How much does food cost in Madison?
- A meal at an inexpensive restaurant in Madison costs around $18. Cooking at home, a single person spends roughly $98 per month on groceries. Staples like milk ($0.98/L) and bread ($3.89/500g) are typical.
- What is public transport like in Madison?
- A monthly public transport pass in Madison costs around $65. Cities with extensive metro and bus networks generally let residents skip car ownership entirely, particularly when commuting from areas outside the city centre.
- Is the internet expensive in Madison?
- Unlimited broadband at 60 Mbps or higher in Madison costs around $76 per month — useful context for remote workers comparing locations.