Cost of Living: Philadelphia vs Madison (2026)
Madison has a 10% lower overall cost of living than Philadelphia as of Q1 2026. A one-bedroom apartment runs $1,650/mo in Madison vs $2,000/mo in Philadelphia — a 21% difference. Philadelphia has a lower state income tax rate (3.1% vs 7.7%), which adds up over time.
- Madison is 10% cheaper overall (COL index: 107 vs 97)
- 1BR rent: $1,650/mo in Madison vs $2,000/mo — 18% savings
- Higher median household income: Madison ($68,000/yr vs $55,000/yr)
- Median home price: $290,000 in Philadelphia vs $360,000 — 19% difference
| Category | Philadelphia Pennsylvania | Madison Wisconsin |
|---|---|---|
| 🏠 HousingQ1 2026 | ||
| Studio rent/mo | $1,600 | $1,300Best |
| 1BR rent/mo | $2,000 | $1,650Best |
| 2BR rent/mo | $2,600 | $2,200Best |
| Median home price | $290KBest | $360K |
| 🛒 Food & GroceriesQ1 2026 | ||
| Groceries index (100 = US avg) | 103 | 101Best |
| Budget meal (1 person) | $15 | $14Best |
| Mid-range dinner (2) | $60 | $58Best |
| 🚌 TransportationQ1 2026 | ||
| Monthly transit pass/mo | $96 | $62Best |
| Gas price/gal | $3.30 | $3.20Best |
| Car insurance/mo | $175 | $145Best |
| ⚡ UtilitiesQ1 2026 | ||
| Monthly utilities bundle/mo | $160Best | $162 |
| Internet/mo | $65 | $63Best |
| 💰 Income & TaxesQ1 2026 | ||
| Median household income/yr | $55K | $68KBest |
| State income tax% | 3.1%Best | 7.7% |
| Sales tax (combined)% | 8.0% | 5.4%Best |
| 🎬 LeisureQ1 2026 | ||
| Movie ticket | $16.00 | $15.00Best |
| Gym membership/mo | $45 | $42Best |
| Beer at restaurant | $7.00 | $6.50Best |
| 📊 OverviewQ1 2026 | ||
| Overall COL index (100 = US avg) | 107 | 97Best |
| Walk score / 100 | 76Best | 55 |
Frequently asked questions
Is Philadelphia cheaper than Madison?
No. Madison is 10% cheaper than Philadelphia based on overall cost of living indices (97 vs 107, where 100 = US average).
What is the average rent in Philadelphia vs Madison?
As of Q1 2026, the median 1-bedroom rent in Philadelphia is $2,000/month and in Madison is $1,650/month. Philadelphia is more expensive by 21%.
How much do I need to earn in Madison to match a $75,000 salary in Philadelphia?
To maintain a similar lifestyle, you would need approximately $67,991/year in Madison to match a $75,000 salary in Philadelphia. This estimate is based on overall cost of living indices and does not account for individual spending patterns.
Which city has lower taxes — Philadelphia or Madison?
Philadelphia has the lower state income tax rate at 3.1% vs 7.7%. The difference is 4.6 percentage points. Note that sales tax and local taxes also vary — see the full breakdown in the table above.
Is it worth moving from Philadelphia 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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