Can I Afford to Live in Madison vs Wilmington on $80K?
Here's how a $80K/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 | Wilmington NC |
|---|---|---|
| Monthly take-home (est.) | $4,543 | $4,757 |
| 1BR rent | $1,650 | $1,550 |
| Groceries (est.) | $384 | $372 |
| Transport (est.) | $62 | $45 |
| Utilities | $162 | $158 |
| Internet | $63 | $62 |
| Left after essentials | $2,222/month | $2,570/month |
Frequently asked questions
Is $80K a good salary in Madison?
At $80K/year in Madison, your estimated monthly take-home is $4,543. With 1BR rent around $1,650/month, rent takes up 36% of your take-home. That's considered tight.
Is $80K a good salary in Wilmington?
At $80K/year in Wilmington, your estimated monthly take-home is $4,757. With 1BR rent around $1,550/month, rent takes up 33% of your take-home. That's considered manageable.
Which city is more affordable on a $80K salary?
Wilmington leaves you with more money after core expenses — $2,570/month vs $2,222/month in Madison.
Can I afford to live alone in Madison on $80K?
It's tight. Rent in Madison would take 36% of your $80K 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