Madison, Wi, United States Of America, United States Of America — cost of living
Wikipedia · Madison, Wisconsin

Madison, Wi, United States Of America

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United States Of America
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Madison, Wi, United States Of America

About Madison, Wi, United States Of America

Costs exclude rent
Single / month
$886
Family of 4 / mo
$2,291
Avg salary (after tax)
$5,358

Madison, Wisconsin, is a charming city known for its beautiful lakes and vibrant culture. It is the state capital and home to the University of Wisconsin, which brings a lively energy to the area. You can enjoy walking around the picturesque State Capitol building, where you can take in stunning views from the dome. The city is also famous for its many parks, perfect for picnics and outdoor activities. In the summer, the farmers’ market on the Capitol Square is a must-visit, offering fresh produce and local crafts. Madison has a rich arts scene, with theaters and galleries that showcase local talent. Whether you want to explore nature, enjoy good food, or learn about history, Madison has something for everyone!

Data aggregated from public cost-of-living sources. See About for methodology.· Wikipedia · Madison, Wisconsin· Updated May 22, 2026

Cost breakdown by category

Cost breakdown

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Fashion

  • Midrange Nike Running ShoesUSD $105.14
  • Summer Dress from Chain Stores (e.g., Zara, H&M)USD $52.46
  • Classic Jeans (e.g., Levi's 501)USD $68.81
  • Men's Dress ShoesUSD $136.51

Financial

  • Mortgage Interest Rate (20-Year Fixed)USD $4
  • Average Monthly Salary After TaxUSD $5,358

Food - Beverages

  • CappuccinoUSD $5.59
  • Local Draft Beer (Pint)USD $6.08
  • Imported Beer (Small Bottle)USD $8.1
  • Soft Drinks (350 ml Bottle)USD $2.21
  • Bottled Water (350 ml)USD $1.54

Food - Dining

  • Casual Dining ExperienceUSD $18.9
  • Upscale Dinner for TwoUSD $101.25
  • Fast Food ComboUSD $12.15

Food - Grocery

  • Chicken Fillets (1 kg)USD $17.02
  • Beef Round (1 kg)USD $18.74
  • Apples (1 kg)USD $5.46
  • Bananas (1 kg)USD $1.63
  • Oranges (1 kg)USD $4.19
  • Tomatoes (1 kg)USD $3.89
  • Potatoes (1 kg)USD $3.12
  • Onions (1 kg)USD $2.67
  • Lettuce (1 Head)USD $2
  • Bottled Water (1.5L)USD $3.44
  • Midrange Bottle of WineUSD $15.53
  • Marlboro (20-Pack)USD $12.83
  • White Rice (1 kg)USD $7.72
  • Dozen EggsUSD $4.05
  • Local Cheese (1 kg)USD $14.61
  • Fresh White Bread (1 kg)USD $9.47
  • Milk (1 litre)USD $1.2

Housing

  • Average Rent of 3-Bedroom Apartment in City CenterUSD $3,915
  • Average Rent of 3-Bedroom Apartment Outside City CenterUSD $2,455
  • Average Cost per Square Foot for Apartments in City CenterUSD $558.47
  • Average Cost per Square Foot for Apartments Outside City CenterUSD $233.65
  • Average Rent of 1-Bedroom Apartment in City CenterUSD $1,809
  • Average Rent of 1-Bedroom Apartment Outside City CenterUSD $1,291

Leisure

  • Monthly Fee for Fitness Club Membership (1 Adult)USD $54
  • Monthly Fee for Private Kindergarten (1 Child)USD $1,755
  • Tennis Court Rental (1 Hour, Weekend)USD $10.13
  • Cinema Ticket (International Release)USD $16.2
  • Yearly Cost for International Primary School (1 Child)USD $12,825

Transportation

  • 1 Hour Taxi WaitUSD $66.83
  • Average Price of a New Sedan CarUSD $29,584
  • One-Way Local Transport FareUSD $2.7
  • Average Rate to Start a Taxi RideUSD $5.4
  • Average Monthly Cost of Public Transport PassUSD $87.75
  • Average Taxi Fare for 1 kmUSD $3.51
  • Average Price of a New Compact Hatchback CarUSD $29,700

Utilities (Monthly)

  • Internet Service (60 Mbps or More, Unlimited)USD $86.25
  • Average Monthly Cost for Essential Utilities in a 915 sq. ft. ApartmentUSD $159.25

Costs reflect a typical lifestyle in each place, excluding rent unless stated. Numbers are a starting point — always cross-check before big decisions.

  • Single / Family of 4 toggle. Family ≈ 2.7× single when no verified figure exists.
  • Estimated values use a ~ prefix and an "Estimated" label.
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How we calculate these numbers

When local data is missing (e.g. salary for a smaller city), we estimate from peer cities in the same country using a median ratio.

Full methodology, assumptions, and formulas live on our About page.