Cost of Living in Madison, WI
Population: 275,568 • 2026 Data
$76,983
Median Household Income
-1% vs national
$1,364
Median Monthly Rent
+1% vs national
$346,900
Median Home Value
+2% vs national
2.7%
Unemployment Rate
Housing in Madison
The median home value in Madison, WI is $346,900. Monthly rent for a typical unit averages $1,364, while total monthly housing costs (including utilities and insurance) average $1,476.
Rent-to-income ratio: 21.3%. This is within the recommended 30% threshold, suggesting housing is relatively affordable for median-income earners.
Income and Employment
The median household income in Madison, WI is $76,983. The unemployment rate stands at 2.7%, with a labor force of 165,552 people.
Data Sources
All data from the US Census Bureau American Community Survey 5-Year Estimates. National median figures used for comparison context.