Cost of Living: New Haven vs Madison (2026)
Madison has a 13% lower overall cost of living than New Haven as of Q1 2026. A one-bedroom apartment runs $1,650/mo in Madison vs $1,800/mo in New Haven — a 9% difference.
- Madison is 13% cheaper overall (COL index: 110 vs 97)
- 1BR rent: $1,650/mo in Madison vs $1,800/mo — 8% savings
- Higher median household income: Madison ($68,000/yr vs $52,000/yr)
- Median home price: $340,000 in New Haven vs $360,000 — 6% difference
| Category | New Haven Connecticut | Madison Wisconsin |
|---|---|---|
| 🏠 HousingQ1 2026 | ||
| Studio rent/mo | $1,400 | $1,300Best |
| 1BR rent/mo | $1,800 | $1,650Best |
| 2BR rent/mo | $2,400 | $2,200Best |
| Median home price | $340KBest | $360K |
| 🛒 Food & GroceriesQ1 2026 | ||
| Groceries index (100 = US avg) | 108 | 101Best |
| Budget meal (1 person) | $17 | $14Best |
| Mid-range dinner (2) | $68 | $58Best |
| 🚌 TransportationQ1 2026 | ||
| Monthly transit pass/mo | $82 | $62Best |
| Gas price/gal | $3.45 | $3.20Best |
| Car insurance/mo | $178 | $145Best |
| ⚡ UtilitiesQ1 2026 | ||
| Monthly utilities bundle/mo | $198 | $162Best |
| Internet/mo | $70 | $63Best |
| 💰 Income & TaxesQ1 2026 | ||
| Median household income/yr | $52K | $68KBest |
| State income tax% | 7.0%Best | 7.7% |
| Sales tax (combined)% | 6.4% | 5.4%Best |
| 🎬 LeisureQ1 2026 | ||
| Movie ticket | $16.00 | $15.00Best |
| Gym membership/mo | $48 | $42Best |
| Beer at restaurant | $7.00 | $6.50Best |
| 📊 OverviewQ1 2026 | ||
| Overall COL index (100 = US avg) | 110 | 97Best |
| Walk score / 100 | 73Best | 55 |
Frequently asked questions
Is New Haven cheaper than Madison?
No. Madison is 13% cheaper than New Haven based on overall cost of living indices (97 vs 110, where 100 = US average).
What is the average rent in New Haven vs Madison?
As of Q1 2026, the median 1-bedroom rent in New Haven is $1,800/month and in Madison is $1,650/month. New Haven is more expensive by 9%.
How much do I need to earn in Madison to match a $75,000 salary in New Haven?
To maintain a similar lifestyle, you would need approximately $66,136/year in Madison to match a $75,000 salary in New Haven. This estimate is based on overall cost of living indices and does not account for individual spending patterns.
Which city has lower taxes — New Haven or Madison?
New Haven has the lower state income tax rate at 7% vs 7.7%. The difference is 0.7 percentage points. Note that sales tax and local taxes also vary — see the full breakdown in the table above.
Is it worth moving from New Haven to Madison?
It depends on your priorities. Madison offers lower overall costs, but both cities have different job markets, weather, and lifestyle trade-offs. Use the comparison table above to evaluate rent, groceries, transportation, and income potential side by side based on your specific budget.
Data sourced from Zillow, BLS, Numbeo, Tax Foundation, and US Census ACS · Updated Q1 2026 · For general guidance only
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