Can I Afford to Live in Madison vs Chicago on $60K?
Here's how a $60K/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.) | $3,408 | $3,548 |
| 1BR rent | $1,650 | $1,900 |
| Groceries (est.) | $384 | $388 |
| Transport (est.) | $62 | $105 |
| Utilities | $162 | $165 |
| Internet | $63 | $65 |
| Left after essentials | $1,087/month | $925/month |
Frequently asked questions
Is $60K a good salary in Madison?
At $60K/year in Madison, your estimated monthly take-home is $3,408. With 1BR rent around $1,650/month, rent takes up 48% of your take-home. That's considered difficult.
Is $60K a good salary in Chicago?
At $60K/year in Chicago, your estimated monthly take-home is $3,548. With 1BR rent around $1,900/month, rent takes up 54% of your take-home. That's considered difficult.
Which city is more affordable on a $60K salary?
Madison leaves you with more money after core expenses — $1,087/month vs $925/month in Chicago.
Can I afford to live alone in Madison on $60K?
It's tight. Rent in Madison would take 48% of your $60K 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