What is the cost of living in Madison?

The cost of living in Madison is 41.4% cheaper than New York City (index: 58.6). Groceries are 21.5% cheaper than NYC. Restaurants are 24.0% cheaper than NYC. A 1-bedroom apartment in the city centre costs approximately USD 1,789 per month. Local purchasing power index is 143.4 (NYC = 100).

🇺🇸 WI, United States · #61 of 577 cities · 2026

Should I Move to Madison?

Q: Should I move to Madison?

Madison, WI, United States has a cost of living 41.4% cheaper than New York City (index: 58.6). It is ranked #61 out of 577 cities globally. Local purchasing power is very strong (index: 143.4 vs NYC = 100). Use our salary comparison calculator to see exactly how your take-home pay would change.

41.4% cheaper than NYC, and purchasing power is very strong.

Run the calculator below with your actual salary to get a personalised answer.

-41.4%

vs NYC

USD 1,789

1-BR, city centre

143.4

Purchasing Power

Very strong

Purchasing Power

Cost index: Numbeo, blended with Expatistan and LivingCost where available (NYC = 100) · Data from October 2026

Personalised Answer

Compare your salary: move to Madison?

Cost breakdown: Madison

Cost indices vs NYC = 100

Cost of Living

58.6 Expensive

Rent

42.0 Affordable

Groceries

78.5 Above average

Restaurants

76.0 Above average

Purchasing Power

143.4 Very strong

Rent in Madison

1-BR, city centre USD 1,789/mo

1-BR, outside centre USD 1,545/mo

3-BR, city centre USD 3,231/mo

3-BR, outside centre USD 2,579/mo

Save by going outside centre 14% cheaper

Numbeo · 2026-10-02

Considering alternatives?

Cities in the same country or region with a comparable cost of living.

🇺🇸 Milwaukee

WI, United States

CoL index 49.4

Compare Milwaukee vs Madison →

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