Can I Afford to Live in Madison vs Boulder on $150K?
Here's how a $150K/year salary plays out in both cities after taxes, rent, and core living expenses — based on Q1 2026 data.
Monthly budget breakdown
| Expense | Madison WI | Boulder CO |
|---|---|---|
| Monthly take-home (est.) | $7,981 | $8,394 |
| 1BR rent | $1,650 | $2,300 |
| Groceries (est.) | $384 | $414 |
| Transport (est.) | $62 | $80 |
| Utilities | $162 | $138 |
| Internet | $63 | $68 |
| Left after essentials | $5,660/month | $5,394/month |
Frequently asked questions
Is $150K a good salary in Madison?
At $150K/year in Madison, your estimated monthly take-home is $7,981. With 1BR rent around $1,650/month, rent takes up 21% of your take-home. That's considered very comfortable.
Is $150K a good salary in Boulder?
At $150K/year in Boulder, your estimated monthly take-home is $8,394. With 1BR rent around $2,300/month, rent takes up 27% of your take-home. That's considered comfortable.
Which city is more affordable on a $150K salary?
Madison leaves you with more money after core expenses — $5,660/month vs $5,394/month in Boulder.
Can I afford to live alone in Madison on $150K?
Yes. At $150K in Madison, rent takes 21% of your take-home, leaving $5,660/month after essentials. Most financial planners recommend keeping rent below 30%.
See the full cost-of-living comparison
Rent, groceries, taxes, transportation, and more — side by side.
Take-home estimates use simplified federal/state brackets and do not account for pre-tax deductions, 401(k), or local taxes. Data: Zillow, BLS, Numbeo · Q1 2026 · For general guidance only