Can I Afford to Live in Madison vs Chicago on $50K?
Here's how a $50K/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 | Chicago IL |
|---|---|---|
| Monthly take-home (est.) | $2,840 | $2,956 |
| 1BR rent | $1,650 | $1,900 |
| Groceries (est.) | $384 | $388 |
| Transport (est.) | $62 | $105 |
| Utilities | $162 | $165 |
| Internet | $63 | $65 |
| Left after essentials | $519/month | $333/month |
Frequently asked questions
Is $50K a good salary in Madison?
At $50K/year in Madison, your estimated monthly take-home is $2,840. With 1BR rent around $1,650/month, rent takes up 58% of your take-home. That's considered difficult.
Is $50K a good salary in Chicago?
At $50K/year in Chicago, your estimated monthly take-home is $2,956. With 1BR rent around $1,900/month, rent takes up 64% of your take-home. That's considered difficult.
Which city is more affordable on a $50K salary?
Madison leaves you with more money after core expenses — $519/month vs $333/month in Chicago.
Can I afford to live alone in Madison on $50K?
It's tight. Rent in Madison would take 58% of your $50K take-home pay. You may need to find roommates or look at studios to stay within the 30% rule.
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