Cost of Living in Madison, WI - Updated Prices & Insights

Solo nomad: Estimated monthly costs are $1,164 (excluding rent), and $2,868 including rent.

Family of 3: Estimated monthly costs are $2,806 (excluding rent), and $5,537 including rent.

Meal at Budget Restaurant

$14.93 $14.93

$11.94 $11.94

$19.9 $19.9

Three-Course Dinner for Two, Mid-Range

$74.1 $74.1

$49.43 $49.43

$148 $148

Fast Food Meal (McDonalds, etc)

$11.17 $11.17

$10.16 $10.16

$15.23 $15.23

Cappuccino

$5.25 $5.25

$3.91 $3.91

$7.18 $7.18

Coke/Pepsi/Fanta/Sprite (0.33 liter bottle)

$2.73 $2.73

$2.04 $2.04

$3.57 $3.57

Water (0.33 liter bottle)

$2.25 $2.25

$1.95 $1.95

$2.92 $2.92

Local Beer (0.5 liter draught)

$5.89 $5.89

$3.93 $3.93

$7.86 $7.86

Imported Beer (0.33 liter bottle)

$7.06 $7.06

$5.04 $5.04

$8.07 $8.07

Milk (1 liter)

$0.88 $0.88

$0.7 $0.7

$1.12 $1.12

White Bread (500g)

$3.68 $3.68

$1.93 $1.93

$7.58 $7.58

Rice (white) (1kg)

$5.33 $5.33

$3.34 $3.34

$6.73 $6.73

Eggs

$4.02 $4.02

$1.99 $1.99

$5.97 $5.97

Local Cheese (1kg)

$13.86 $13.86

$10.99 $10.99

$19.81 $19.81

Chicken Fillets (1kg)

$13.56 $13.56

$6.01 $6.01

$20.21 $20.21

Beef Round Steak (1kg)

$16.37 $16.37

$7.67 $7.67

$21.91 $21.91

Apples (1kg)

$4.49 $4.49

$2.64 $2.64

$8.87 $8.87

Banana (1kg)

$1.47 $1.47

$1.05 $1.05

$2.34 $2.34

Oranges (1kg)

$5.64 $5.64

$1.47 $1.47

$12.13 $12.13

Tomato (1kg)

$4.75 $4.75

$2.21 $2.21

$7.54 $7.54

Potato (1kg)

$2.6 $2.6

$1.49 $1.49

$3.44 $3.44

Onion (1kg)

$3.02 $3.02

$1.85 $1.85

$4.51 $4.51

Lettuce (1 head)

$2.02 $2.02

$1.52 $1.52

$2.13 $2.13

Water (1.5 liter bottle)

$2.04 $2.04

$1.43 $1.43

$3.07 $3.07

Cigarettes 20 Pack (Marlboro, Camel)

$10.16 $10.16

$9.14 $9.14

$12.19 $12.19

Wine (Bottle)

$14.42 $14.42

$10.09 $10.09

$19.16 $19.16

Local Beer (0.5 liter bottle)

$2.38 $2.38

$1.76 $1.76

$3.05 $3.05

Imported Beer (0.33 liter bottle)

$4.83 $4.83

$2.33 $2.33

$7.09 $7.09

One-way Ticket (Public Transport)

$1.97 $1.97

$2.47 $2.47

Public Transport Monthly Pass (Regular Price)

$61 $61

$49.21 $49.21

$64 $64

Taxi Start (Normal Tariff)

$4.56 $4.56

$5.07 $5.07

Taxi (Normal Tariff) (1km)

$2.13 $2.13

Taxi 1hour Waiting (Normal Tariff)

$42.06 $42.06

Gasoline (1 liter)

$0.9 $0.9

$0.76 $0.76

$1.01 $1.01

Midsize Hatchback 1.4l (Volkswagen Golf, Toyota Prius, Honda Civic, etc)

$24.7K $24.7K

$23.7K $23.7K

$29.6K $29.6K

Compact Sedan 1.6l (Toyota Corolla, Mazda3, Kia K4, Hyundai Elantra, etc)

$25.5K $25.5K

$24.8K $24.8K

$26.1K $26.1K

Utilities for 2 People in 2-bedroom Apartment (Heating, Electricity, Gas, Water, Garbage) (85m2)

$213 $213

$147 $147

$383 $383

SIM Card Monthly Plan (Calls and 10GB+ Data)

$50.9 $50.9

$39.94 $39.94

$79.9 $79.9

Internet (50+ Mbps, Unlimited Data)

$75.7 $75.7

$50.5 $50.5

$101 $101

Gym Membership (Monthly)

$63.1 $63.1

$49.06 $49.06

$73.6 $73.6

Tennis Court (1 Hour on Weekend)

$30.54 $30.54

Cinema Ticket

$15.13 $15.13

$13.11 $13.11

$25.22 $25.22

Preschool or Kindergarten, Full Day, Private, 1 Child (Monthly)

$1,631 $1,631

$1,201 $1,201

$1,717 $1,717

International Primary School, 1 Child (Yearly)

$24.6K $24.6K

Jeans (Levis 501 Or Similar)

$66.5 $66.5

$59.8 $59.8

$74.8 $74.8

Summer Dress (H&M, Zara, etc)

$48.78 $48.78

$30.27 $30.27

$60.6 $60.6

Sport Shoes (Adidas, Nike)

$100 $100

$74.2 $74.2

$117 $117

Men's Leather Business Shoes

$133 $133

$115 $115

$175 $175

1-bedroom Apartment, City Center (Monthly)

$1,660 $1,660

$1,354 $1,354

$2,167 $2,167

1-bedroom Apartment, Outside City Center (Monthly)

$1,447 $1,447

$1,186 $1,186

$1,774 $1,774

3-bedroom Apartment, City Center (Monthly)

$3,081 $3,081

$2,529 $2,529

$4,552 $4,552

3-bedroom Apartment, Outside City Center (Monthly)

$2,461 $2,461

$1,990 $1,990

$2,985 $2,985

Buy Apartment in City Center (m2)

$2,923 $2,923

$2,694 $2,694

$3,125 $3,125

Buy Apartment Outside City Center (m2)

$2,420 $2,420

$2,353 $2,353

$2,524 $2,524

Average Monthly Net Salary (After Tax)

$4,253 $4,253

20-Year Fixed Mortgage Interest Rate (Annual %)

6.55

6.19

6.9

Citycost data is based on AI and user input – minor inaccuracies may occur.

Last update: November 30, 2025

Digital Nomad Cost of Living Index

City tags:

🌎 North america

Cost of Living in Madison, WI - Frequently Asked Questions

Cost of Living in Madison, WI, United States sits in the middle among U.S. midsize cities. The housing puzzle is the main factor: solid neighborhoods near the lakes, campuses, and downtown offer quality options with flexible lease choices, but rent or mortgage costs shift by location. Everyday expenses like groceries, dining, and services are reasonable for the size of the city, with abundant local markets and practical meal options. For newcomers, value often comes from a walkable core, strong bike infrastructure, and access to shorter commutes. Tip: Map a few core zones and compare rents against your work or study plans.

For a handle on the Madison, WI living cost, look at neighborhoods by vibe: campus-adjacent zones often offer shorter leases and bundled utilities, while the near-downtown and east/west sides provide more space and parking options. Housing search benefits from combining university listings, local rental apps, and in-person visits to avoid surprises. Food options range from farmers markets and budget-friendly diners to quality groceries and specialty shops; seasonal produce can stretch a modest budget. Transport leans on a practical mix of bike routes, a solid bus network, and occasional rideshares. Co-working hubs and quiet coffee spots help with remote work, meetings, and errands around the core. Tip: plan a one-week pilot in your target area.

Quality of life here blends outdoor access, a strong local economy, and a compact downtown that stays approachable. Use a simple budgeting framework: separate housing, groceries, transport, and fun, then set flexible caps for each category and adjust with the seasons. Summer farmers markets and festivals may lift dining out costs in bursts, while winter costs shift toward heating and indoor activities; plan accordingly. To find a neighborhood fit, map values like proximity to lakes, bike lanes, safety, schools, and social scenes. Consider trying multiple areas during different times of day and seasons to sense what really matches your rhythm. Tip: rent temporarily in a couple of districts before committing long-term.