Madison, WI, US
College town with lakes, bikes, beer, and one of the most educated populations in America.
Above Average vs US Avg (100)
Above Average
Household income
Job market health
Madison vs US Average
Taxes
- State Income Tax: 6.3%
- Sales Tax: 5.5%
Economy & Jobs
- Median Income: $72,000
- Unemployment: 2.4%
- Population: 280,305
Climate
- Sunny Days: 187/year
- Summer High: 82°F
- Winter Low: 10°F
- Farming Zone: USDA Zone 4b
Housing
- Median Home: $380,000
- 1BR Rent: $1350/mo
Cost of Living
Madison's cost of living index is 104.2 (US average = 100).
| Category | Madison | National Average | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Overall | 104.2 | 100 | +4.2% |
| Housing | 112.5 | 100 | +12.5% |
Data source: Council for Community and Economic Research (C2ER), 2026
Housing Market
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Median Home Price | $380,000 |
| Median Rent (1BR) | $1350/mo |
| Median Rent (2BR) | $1,688/mo |
| Price per Sq Ft | $253 |
Data source: Zillow Research, 2026
True Cost of Home Ownership
Utilities
Estimated monthly utility costs for a typical household in Madison:
| Utility | Estimated Monthly Cost | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Electricity | $110 | Based on ~900 kWh/month typical US household usage |
| Heating & Cooling | $94 | Estimated based on local climate. Gas or electric |
| Cooling (AC) | N/A | Estimated based on local climate and electricity rates |
| Water | $50 | Includes sewer |
| Internet (100+ Mbps) | $55 | Broadband average |
| Garbage / Trash | Included in taxes | Municipal service (covered by property taxes) |
| Total Utilities | $309 | Monthly estimate (including heating & cooling) |
Data sources: U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA) 2024, EPA/AWWA water rate surveys, BroadbandNow
Remote Work Score
Madison scores —/100 for remote work readiness:
Climate
Madison has a varied climate with distinct seasons.
| Month | Avg High | Avg Low | Rainfall |
|---|---|---|---|
| January | 30°F | 10°F | 2.5" |
| April | 67°F | 25°F | 2.8" |
| July | 82°F | 57°F | 1.5" |
| October | 62°F | 28°F | 2.2" |
Cold — cool-season crops, hardy perennials
Natural Hazards
Madison faces the following natural hazards:
Severe winter storms.
Summer heat waves.
Tornado risk.
Lake and river flooding.
Wildfire risk in forested areas.
Based on historical records and geographic risk assessment.
Taxes
- State Income Tax: 6.27%
- Sales Tax: 5.5%
- Property Tax: ~1.96% of assessed value
Economy & Jobs
Major industries include technology, healthcare, education, and manufacturing. The unemployment rate is 2.4%.
Crime & Safety
Crime rates in Madison per 100,000 residents:
Data source: FBI Uniform Crime Reporting
Schools & Education
Data source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES)
Universities & Higher Education
Data source: Center for World University Rankings (CWUR) & World Universities Database
Important Disclaimer: All data on this page is for informational purposes only and does not constitute financial, legal, tax, or real estate advice. URCity and Northshore Press are not financial advisors, tax professionals, or real estate agents. Always consult qualified professionals before making relocation or financial decisions.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cost of living in Madison, WI, US?
The cost of living index in Madison is 104.2, which is Higher the US national average of 100.
How much does it cost to buy a home in Madison?
The median home price in Madison is $380,000. The housing index is 112.5.
What is the average rent for a 1-bedroom apartment?
The average rent for a 1-bedroom apartment in Madison is approximately $1350/mo.
Does Madison, WI have income tax?
Madison is in WI, which has an income tax rate of 6.27%.
What is the climate like in Madison?
Madison enjoys approximately 187 sunny days per year. Summer highs reach around 82°F, while winter lows can drop to around 10°F.
Relocation Guides
Data Sources
- Cost of Living: Council for Community and Economic Research (C2ER), 2026
- Housing Data: Zillow Research, 2026
- Income & Employment: US Census Bureau American Community Survey, 2024
- Utilities U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA) 2024, EPA/AWWA water rate surveys, BroadbandNow
Data last updated: August 12, 2026. Data may not reflect current market conditions. Always verify with local sources before making relocation decisions.