Moving from Ann Arbor to Madison (2026)
Madison has a COL index of 97 vs 105 for Ann Arbor (100 = US average). You'd pay about 8% less for the same lifestyle.
Key differences
Salary needed in Madison to match your Ann Arbor lifestyle
Based on the 8% cost of living decrease between the two cities.
| Your salary in Ann Arbor | Equivalent in Madison |
|---|---|
| $40K | $36,952 |
| $50K | $46,190 |
| $60K | $55,429 |
| $75K | $69,286 |
| $80K | $73,905 |
| $100K | $92,381 |
| $120K | $110,857 |
| $150K | $138,571 |
Monthly budget at $75K — Ann Arbor vs Madison
| Expense | Ann Arbor | Madison |
|---|---|---|
| Monthly take-home | $4,484 | $4,259 |
| 1BR rent | $1,750 | $1,650 |
| Groceries | $384 | $384 |
| Transport | $65 | $62 |
| Utilities | $162 | $162 |
| Internet | $63 | $63 |
| Left after essentials | $2,060 | $1,938 |
Frequently asked questions
Is Madison cheaper than Ann Arbor?
Yes. Madison has a cost of living index of 97 vs 105 for Ann Arbor (100 = US average). That's about 8% cheaper.
How much will I save moving from Ann Arbor to Madison?
On a $75K salary, moving from Ann Arbor to Madison could save roughly $103/month on core expenses. That's ~$1,236/year.
What salary do I need in Madison to match my Ann Arbor lifestyle?
To maintain the same purchasing power as $75,000 in Ann Arbor, you'd need roughly $69,286/year in Madison. This is based on the overall COL index difference between the two cities.
Estimates based on Q1 2026 COL index and market data. Budget uses simplified federal/state tax rates at $75K. Zillow · BLS · Numbeo · For general guidance only