🇺🇸 WI, United States · #137 of 538 cities · 2026

Cost of Living in Madison

4.7% below the United States average

Ranked #137 of 538 cities · More expensive than 74.5% of cities worldwide

Compared to United States average

Rent Prices

Rent Prices in Madison

Apartment City Centre Outside Centre You Save
1-Bedroom USD 1,183/mo USD 887/mo 25%
3-Bedroom USD 2,059/mo USD 1,544/mo 25%
Estimated from rent index. Actual prices vary. · 2026

Cost Indices

Cost of Living
-4.7% Average
Rent
-3.1% Average
Groceries
-1.5% Average
Restaurants
-10.3% Affordable
Purchasing Power
+4.8% Average

Living in Madison: What to Expect

Madison is average by global standards (ranked #137 of 538 cities). It is 4.7% cheaper than the United States average, based on 74 cities.

Groceries are average, while dining out is affordable. Restaurants offers the best value, while Groceries is the priciest.

Local purchasing power is limited — residents can afford fewer goods and services than in most cities.

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