Are you considering a move to Madison, Wisconsin, United States, and wondering about the cost of living? Madison, Wisconsin is a diverse city with a lot to offer, but like any city, it comes with its own set of expenses. In this page, we'll break down the cost of living in Madison, Wisconsin and help you understand whether $3407 per month is moderately priced, given the average monthly salary of $3826.2.
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Restaurants |
Price |
World Range |
|---|---|---|
|
Meal, Inexpensive Restaurant |
15.0 $ |
|
|
Meal for 2 People, Mid-range Restaurant, Three-course |
75.0 $ |
|
|
McMeal at McDonalds (or Equivalent Combo Meal) |
9.12 $ |
|
|
Domestic Beer (1 pint draught) |
5.5 $ |
|
|
Imported Beer (12 oz small bottle) |
6.0 $ |
|
|
Cappuccino (regular) |
4.81 $ |
|
|
Coke/Pepsi (12 oz small bottle) |
2.19 $ |
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Water (12 oz small bottle) |
2.18 $ |
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Markets |
Price |
World Range |
|---|---|---|
|
Milk (regular), (1 gallon) |
0.89 $ |
|
|
Loaf of Fresh White Bread (1 lb) |
3.78 $ |
|
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Rice (white), (1 lb) |
5.41 $ |
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|
Eggs (regular) (12) |
4.14 $ |
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Local Cheese (1 lb) |
11.49 $ |
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Chicken Fillets (1 lb) |
14.82 $ |
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Beef Round (1 lb) (or Equivalent Back Leg Red Meat) |
14.1 $ |
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Apples (1 lb) |
3.94 $ |
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Banana (1 lb) |
1.21 $ |
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Oranges (1 lb) |
2.89 $ |
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Tomato (1 lb) |
3.83 $ |
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|
Potato (1 lb) |
2.16 $ |
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|
Onion (1 lb) |
2.47 $ |
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Lettuce (1 head) |
2.0 $ |
|
|
Water (1.5 liter bottle) |
1.66 $ |
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|
Bottle of Wine (Mid-Range) |
12.0 $ |
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|
Domestic Beer (0.5 liter bottle) |
1.73 $ |
|
|
Imported Beer (12 oz small bottle) |
3.65 $ |
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|
Cigarettes 20 Pack (Marlboro) |
10.0 $ |
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Transportation |
Price |
World Range |
|---|---|---|
|
One-way Ticket (Local Transport) |
2.0 $ |
|
|
Monthly Pass (Regular Price) |
65.0 $ |
|
|
Taxi Start (Normal Tariff) |
4.5 $ |
|
|
Taxi 1 mile (Normal Tariff) |
2.17 $ |
|
|
Taxi 1hour Waiting (Normal Tariff) |
-- |
|
|
Gasoline (1 gallon) |
0.94 $ |
|
|
Volkswagen Golf 1.4 90 KW Trendline (Or Equivalent New Car) |
22500.0 $ |
|
|
Toyota Corolla Sedan 1.6l 97kW Comfort (Or Equivalent New Car) |
22815.0 $ |
|
|
Utilities (Monthly) |
Price |
World Range |
|---|---|---|
|
Basic (Electricity, Heating, Cooling, Water, Garbage) for 915 sq ft Apartment |
214.57 $ |
|
|
1 min. of Prepaid Mobile Tariff Local (No Discounts or Plans) |
-- |
|
|
Internet (60 Mbps or More, Unlimited Data, Cable/ADSL) |
73.64 $ |
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|
Sports And Leisure |
Price |
World Range |
|---|---|---|
|
Fitness Club, Monthly Fee for 1 Adult |
55.0 $ |
|
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Tennis Court Rent (1 Hour on Weekend) |
28.33 $ |
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Cinema, International Release, 1 Seat |
14.25 $ |
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Childcare |
Price |
World Range |
|---|---|---|
|
Preschool (or Kindergarten), Full Day, Private, Monthly for 1 Child |
1612.5 $ |
|
|
International Primary School, Yearly for 1 Child |
14175.0 $ |
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Clothing And Shoes |
Price |
World Range |
|---|---|---|
|
1 Pair of Jeans (Levis 501 Or Similar) |
57.95 $ |
|
|
1 Summer Dress in a Chain Store (Zara, H&M, ...) |
43.75 $ |
|
|
1 Pair of Nike Running Shoes (Mid-Range) |
104.14 $ |
|
|
1 Pair of Men Leather Business Shoes |
118.43 $ |
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|
Rent Per Month |
Price |
World Range |
|---|---|---|
|
Apartment (1 bedroom) in City Centre |
1567.5 $ |
|
|
Apartment (1 bedroom) Outside of Centre |
1329.09 $ |
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Apartment (3 bedrooms) in City Centre |
2931.25 $ |
|
|
Apartment (3 bedrooms) Outside of Centre |
2118.75 $ |
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Buy Apartment Price |
Price |
World Range |
|---|---|---|
|
Price per Square Feet to Buy Apartment in City Centre |
7803.84 $ |
|
|
Price per Square Feet to Buy Apartment Outside of Centre |
4399.75 $ |
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Salaries And Financing |
Price |
World Range |
|---|---|---|
|
Average Monthly Net Salary (After Tax) |
3826.2 $ |
|
|
Mortgage Interest Rate in Percentages (%), Yearly, for 20 Years Fixed-Rate |
6.39 % |
|
The monthly expenses for living in Madison, Wisconsin come to a total of approximately $3407. This includes an average monthly rent of around $1567 for a one-bedroom apartment in the city center, along with utilities costing about $251 per month. Additionally, other expenses such as groceries, transportation, dining out, and leisure activities for one person amount to approximately $924 per month.
Living in Madison, Wisconsin appears to be relatively budget-friendly when considering the average monthly income of $3826.2. However, to enjoy a comfortable standard of living in Madison, Wisconsin, you would likely need an income exceeding $3826.2.
In Madison, Wisconsin, the average monthly post-tax salary hovers around $3826.2, and it isn't tied to any particular skillset or qualification.
The typical monthly rent for a one-bedroom apartment in the central area of Madison, Wisconsin is approximately $1567. If you're open to living in a location outside the city center, you can expect to pay around $1329.09 for such an apartment.
The expense for groceries in Madison, Wisconsin can fluctuate based on personal choices and shopping patterns. Typically, an individual can budget around $693 per month for groceries. Nevertheless, the actual costs may change depending on various factors, including the specific items bought, the choice of stores, and the availability of discounts or special offers.
The cost of living in United States can vary significantly depending on the particular city you have in mind. Using a nationwide average might not provide accurate information. To get a more precise understanding, it's crucial to examine the cost of living in various cities throughout United States.
Reports about safety in Madison appear to be mixed. Neighborhood Scout claims that the city is less safe than (or just as safe as) 88% of US cities. On the other hand, US News and World Report have included Madison on its list for the top ten safest US cities (2021). The differences could be due to the crime disparities between the different parts of the metro. While one’s chances of being victimized in the neighborhoods in the metro central parts are as high as 1 in 10, where tourists aren’t very likely to be found, they’re only 1 in 38 in the west part of the city, where tourists are more likely to stay. Based on these reports, Madison has a low-to-medium overall risk for visitors.
According to WalletHub, Madison ranks among the five US metros for the highest quality public transportation systems. WalletHub determined the rankings using 17 metrics across 3 different dimensions: 1) Accessibility & Convenience, 2) Safety & Reliability and 3) Public Transit Resources. Not much is known about safety when it comes to taxis, but with the findings above, we can conclude that Madison has a low risk when it comes to transport and taxis.
No data is available about pickpocketing specifically, but according to Neighborhood Scout, Madison has a theft rate of 20.35 per 1,000 residents. Compare that to the national average of 13.90 incidents per 1,000 people. Thus, it can be concluded that Madison has a medium-to-high risk for pickpockets.
Wisconsin, as a whole, is known to experience floods, severe storms, tornadoes, landslides, and winter storms. From 1953 to 2019, the state saw 50 major natural disasters. According to FEMA, storms and floods were the most common types. Lightning strikes the ground about 300,000 times per year in Wisconsin, averaging one fatality. In 2018, a massive flood caused around $206 million worth of damage. The reports above indicate that Wisconsin has a medium-to-high natural disasters risk.
There are no data about mugging in particular. However, a report by Niche shows that Madison has a robbery rate of 81.1 per 100,000 people. This is notably lower than the national average of 135.5 per 100,000 residents. Therefore, we can say that Madison has a low mugging risk.
There have been no recent terrorist attacks in Madison. The Sterling Hall bombing on the UW-Madison campus took place on August 24, 1970. It was carried out by four men as a reaction to/protest against the institution’s research connections with the US military during the time of the Vietnam War. Since the last terrorist attack took place half a century ago and since no other attacks have been committed ever since Madison has a low terrorism risk.
As of March 2021, there were 218 reports of identity theft, impersonation, and telephone, wire, and welfare fraud in Madison. This surge in reports prompted the Madison police department to issue a warning about scams occurring in the area. That being said, residents have been the primary targets, with tourists rarely, if ever, falling victim to these crimes. As a result, the risk of scams for visitors is quite low.
No information about traveling to Madison as a woman can be found; however, the city’s rape statistics might be of help. A September 2021 report by Area Vibes showed that the city had a rape incidence rate of 28.2 per 100,000 people. This is noticeably lower than Wisconsin’s average of 34.8 and the national average of 38.4. With this information, it can be concluded that Madison has a low women travelers risk.
Most residents of Madison say that the local tap water is safe for drinking. There are, however, reports that the tap water is “hard,” meaning it has high mineral content. This mineral is mostly calcium, however, and is believed to be harmless. And the city has no active violations of the Safe Water Drinking Act. So it can be deduced that Madison has a low risk when it comes to drinking tap water.
All travelers to the US from other countries are required to present a passport upon arrival. Visas aren’t required for visitors traveling to the US for business or tourism for up to 90 days. However, visas may be required for permanent residents.
The US dollar is the official currency of the US. No other currency is accepted, but you can exchange currencies at various ATMs, kiosks, and businesses (such as Madison & Austin) throughout Madison.
Since Madison has four seasons throughout the year, what you wear on your trip will depend on the time of year. Winters are known to be snowy and cold, with the average low in January, its coldest month, being 14°F. People traveling to Madison in the winter, especially from the lower latitudes, should pack warm clothes.
If you’re coming from anywhere in the continental US, you’ll likely be able to fly directly into the Dane County Regional Airport (MSN). If you’re from outside the country, you can fly into the Milwaukee Mitchell International Airport, the closest international airport to Madison, and take a connecting flight to MSN.
One of the most important travel purchases you can make, travel insurance protects you against risks associated with trip cancellations, medical emergencies, and lost, damaged, or stolen possessions, to name just a few. Unexpected situations while traveling are inevitable, so to curb financial losses and have peace of mind, you should take advantage of travel insurance.
| Average | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| High | 28°F | 32°F | 45°F | 59°F | 70°F | 79°F | 82°F | 80°F | 72°F | 59°F | 45°F | 32°F |
| Temp | 20°F | 24°F | 35°F | 47°F | 59°F | 68°F | 73°F | 70°F | 62°F | 50°F | 37°F | 25°F |
| Low | 14°F | 17°F | 28°F | 39°F | 49°F | 59°F | 63°F | 61°F | 53°F | 42°F | 30°F | 19°F |
| Average | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| High | -2°C | 0°C | 7°C | 15°C | 21°C | 26°C | 27°C | 26°C | 22°C | 15°C | 7°C | 0°C |
| Temp | -6°C | -4°C | 1°C | 8°C | 15°C | 20°C | 22°C | 21°C | 16°C | 10°C | 2°C | -3°C |
| Low | -10°C | -8°C | -2°C | 3°C | 9°C | 15°C | 17°C | 16°C | 11°C | 5°C | -1°C | -7°C |