Did the Cost of Living in Madison, WI increase in 2024? Madison, WI area prices were up 1.3% from a year ago. The largest increases were found in Transportation, Food, and Housing.
By using Salary.com's Cost of Living Calculator, you can make a cost of living comparison of the Consumer Price Index (CPI) and salary differentials of over 300+ US cities. Let us help you make an informed decision about what it will cost to live and work in the city of your dreams!
About Madison, Wisconsin Madison is located in the center of Dane County in south-central Wisconsin, 77 miles (124 km) west of Milwaukee and 122 miles (196 km) northwest of Ch....More
The federal minimum wage is $7.25 per hour while Wisconsin's state law sets the minimum wage rate at $7.25 per hour in 2024.
Demands for a living wage that is fair to workers have resulted in numerous location-based changes to minimum wage levels.
View future changes in the minimum wage in your location by visiting
Minimum Wage Values in Madison, WI
Based on this cost of living comparison, you can see:
If you move from Chicago IL, Dallas, TX, or Miami, FL, the percent increase of your cost of living could be 22.8%, 37.8%, and 24.8%.
Looks like this move could have a negative net change in disposable income, so please think carefully!
If you move from New York, NY, San Francisco, CA, or Washington, DC, the percent reduction of your cost of living could be -43.50%, -23%, and -20.10%,
that's good news to you that you could be looking at a positive net change in disposable income.
About Madison, WI
Madison is located in the center of Dane County in south-central Wisconsin, 77 miles (124 km) west of Milwaukee and 122 miles (196 km) northwest of Chicago. The city completely surrounds the smaller Town of Madison, the City of Monona, and the villages of Maple Bluff and Shorewood Hills. Madison shares borders with its largest suburb, Sun Prairie, and three other suburbs, Middleton, McFarland, and Fitchburg. Other suburbs include the city of Verona and the villages of Cottage Grove, DeForest, and Waunakee as well as Mount Horeb, Oregon, Stoughton, and Cross Plains among others.
According to th...
Source: Wikipedia (as of 04/11/2019). Read more from Wikipedia
Comments about the Cost of Living in Madison, WI
What stores are known for lower grocery prices?
Stores like Aldi are known to offer low prices. Shopping there can considerably reduce cost of living, as the prices in grocery stores can vary a lot. (2024-09-25salary.com)
I love to go to sports events, what does Madison, Wisconsin have to offer?
Madison, WI does not have a major sports team, but don’t worry, check out local colleges and high school sports schedules. These games usually have very cheap tickets and the spirit and enthusiasm of the crowd often makes up for the level of skill. (2024-09-25salary.com)
What is the cost of internet and cable TV in Madison, WI?
The average cost of internet access in the U.S. is $66.20 per month. There are many providers and various packages that are offered, many that bundle internet, cable, and phone together. Pricing for various packages can vary a lot even in the same location. You should evaluate the options based on your usage and preferences and pick the best fit for your needs. One tip to reduce this cost and your overall cost of living, is to get cable service from another source like Direct TV, Netflix, Sling, Amazon Prime or others. (2024-09-25salary.com)
I am nervous about moving, what is the typical cost of moving to another city and what should I have to think about?
The average cost of moving to another state is around $5,600 for a distance of 1,200 miles. This price can vary a lot if the distance is greater and depending on how much is being moved. Even if your employer is covering the cost of a move, there will still be costs that are not covered. A cost that typically occurs is that your existing furniture and accessories are either too large, too small, or not appropriate for your new home. You may find that after you move, you will need to purchase many new items for the new location, for example, window coverings, rugs, lighting, and outdoor gear. Make sure you budget for these types of expenses and include them in the first year’s cost of living at your new location. Finally, although there is no dollar cost, is the stress of moving, which will increase if you have children or pets. Make sure you prepare in advance for what additional TLC those kids and pets will need to have a good move. (2024-09-25salary.com)
Is the cost of electricity in Madison, Wisconsin expected to change in the future?
The cost of electricity in Wisconsin has gone down by 5.116% in the past year. It is possible that electric rates may fluctuate depending on consumption rates, government regulations and even the weather. (2024-09-25salary.com)
What kind of child care is available in Madison, Wisconsin and what is the cost?
The estimated average annual cost for child care in Madison, Wisconsin (based on state average), is $11579. This cost is ranked NO. 13 nationally. Some employers have company provided day care centers that let you bring your child to work with you and receive care on site. Some colleges and universities with Childhood Education programs also may have day care centers available at reduced costs, so you should explore those possibilities to see if you can reduce your child care expense. (2024-09-25salary.com)
Should I plan on spending a lot on rent in Madison,WI?
In Madison,WI, my friend pays $1005 for a large 2 bedroom apartment. Since he has 2 children, he needs to have a large apartment. (2024-09-25salary.com)
Are there fun things to in Madison, Wisconsin that are free or don’t cost a lot?
Looks for areas of Madison, Wisconsin where there is a large student population. In those areas you will be sure to find lots of free or cheap events to go to and plenty of cheap places to eat. Familiarize yourself with the places where students hang out, and take advantage of discounted or bargain prices, you are sure to be able to keep your cost of living reasonable. Look at the website for Madison, WI to find recommendations for activities that are available and unique to the area. (2024-09-25salary.com)
Will I have to pay a lot in taxes if I move to Madison, Wisconsin?
The sales tax for Madison is 5%. This is the tax that you will pay on things that you buy. (2024-09-25salary.com)
Is there good public transportation in Madison, Wisconsin?
You are in luck! Madison, Wisconsin is ranked NO. 13 in the U.S. for public transportation quality. Having a good public transit system to use will reduce travel expenses and your overall cost of living. (2024-09-25salary.com)
I hate to drive in traffic, does Madison have traffic problems?
Driving in Madison, Wisconsin is about average compared to the rest of the country. Depending on the day and time, traffic could be heavy or light. Overall, the time and ease of your driving times, ranked 58 will impact your cost of living, since driving in heavy and slow moving traffic uses a lot of gas. (2024-09-25salary.com)
How long does it take to get to work in Madison, Wisconsin on average?
Getting to work is important. The weather, traffic, time of year, day of week and if there are accidents, can all impact your commute time. Hopefully you will have a smooth commute in Madison, Wisconsin, but be prepared for delays. The time you spend commuting is time you do not have to do other things, so it is valuable. The average time for commuting in Madison is 23.88 minutes. (2024-09-25salary.com)
What is the cost of public transit in Madison, Wisconsin?
Public transit in Madison, WI will cost you around $65.00 per month. (2024-09-25salary.com)
Cost of Living Frequently Asked Questions
What is a Cost of Living index and how is it used?
In the simplest terms, a Cost of Living index is the estimated amount that represents the cost of the basic necessities required for an individual to live. A cost of living or COL estimate may typically include estimates for housing, food, energy, medical care, transportation, taxes, and other necessities. A COL index may be used to measure what the cost difference would be for a person living in a certain location compared to another location. This cost of living comparison helps individuals make decisions about where they would like to live and what they can afford based on the costs in that location. A cost of living comparison can provide guidance about how an increase or decrease in these basic living expenses impacts necessary spending for an individual or a family.
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What factors are included in estimating your cost of living?
The Salary.com cost of living calculator estimate is based on data related to five general categories: housing, food, healthcare, transportation, and energy. These are the universally recognized core components of any cost of living estimate and represent those expenses that apply to everyone. Obviously, there may be other factors that could contribute to your particular cost of living situation and not everyone has the same spending habits. For example, education and/or childcare costs might not apply to everyone, but for those who have those expenses, they could be significant and should be considered when you evaluate your cost of living comparison.
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The Salary.com cost of living calculator is unique in that it also incorporates current salary data for thousands of jobs specific to a chosen home or work location to provide a more refined estimate of the cost of living variations. You can see how your job and your salary will be impacted by a change of location. If you live in one location but work in another, the cost of living calculator will make those adjustments to provide an accurate estimate of the change in COL. The Salary.com cost of living calculator helps you to make cost of living comparisons cost comparisons easily and quickly.
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