Madison, WI cost of living
WI · BLS RPP 99.8
Estimated — not yet source-verified.Estimated — not yet source-verified against official BLS/HUD figures. This page is not indexed. Treat the RPP and FMR values as rough proxies and verify with the BLS or HUD datasets directly before relying on them.
Overall RPP
99.8
US = 100
Housing RPP
107.4
Housing component
Goods RPP
99.2
Goods component
2-BR Rent (HUD)
$1,380/mo
FY2024 FMR
What salary do you need in Madison, WI?
Equivalent salary to maintain the same purchasing power as in a US-average city (RPP 100).
| In US-average city | You need in Madison, WI | Formula |
|---|---|---|
| $50,000 | $49,900 | $50,000 x (99.8/100) |
| $75,000 | $74,850 | $75,000 x (99.8/100) |
| $100,000 | $99,800 | $100,000 x (99.8/100) |
| $125,000 | $124,750 | $125,000 x (99.8/100) |
| $150,000 | $149,700 | $150,000 x (99.8/100) |
| $200,000 | $199,600 | $200,000 x (99.8/100) |
This tool provides estimates only. Equivalent-salary figures are derived from BLS Regional Price Parities (RPP) and HUD Fair Market Rents — they are averages, not guarantees. Actual cost of living varies by neighborhood, lifestyle, and individual circumstances. Not financial advice.
State income tax note
Wisconsin income tax 3.54%-7.65%.
Frequently asked questions
- What is the cost of living in Madison, WI?
- Madison, WI has a BLS Regional Price Parity of 99.8 (US average = 100). It is 0.2% less expensive than the national average.
- What salary do I need to live in Madison, WI?
- If you earn $100,000 in a US-average city (RPP 100), you would need approximately $99,800 in Madison, WI to maintain the same purchasing power.
- What is the average rent in Madison, WI?
- The HUD Fair Market Rent for a 2-bedroom in Madison, WI is approximately $1,380 per month as of FY2024.
Compare with other cities
Buying a home in Madison, WI? See closing costs at TallyClose.