Moving from Denver to Madison (2026)
Madison has a COL index of 97 vs 122 for Denver (100 = US average). You'd pay about 20% less for the same lifestyle.
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Key differences
Salary needed in Madison to match your Denver lifestyle
Based on the 20% cost of living decrease between the two cities.
| Your salary in Denver | Equivalent in Madison |
|---|---|
| $40K | $31,803 |
| $50K | $39,754 |
| $60K | $47,705 |
| $75K | $59,631 |
| $80K | $63,607 |
| $100K | $79,508 |
| $120K | $95,410 |
| $150K | $119,262 |
💵 Household income (before tax)
Monthly budget at $75K — Denver vs Madison
| Expense | Denver | Madison |
|---|---|---|
| Monthly take-home | $4,466 | $4,259 |
| 1BR rent | $2,000 | $1,650 |
| Groceries | $388 | $384 |
| Transport | $114 | $62 |
| Utilities | $140 | $162 |
| Internet | $65 | $63 |
| Left after essentials | $1,759 | $1,938 |
30-Year Wealth Builder
If you invest your monthly savings of $386 in a low-cost index fund (7% avg return), you'd accumulate an extra:
over 30 years compared to staying in Denver — that's the real price of a city.
Frequently asked questions
Is Madison cheaper than Denver?
Yes. Madison has a cost of living index of 97 vs 122 for Denver (100 = US average). That's about 20% cheaper.
How much will I save moving from Denver to Madison?
On a $75K salary, moving from Denver to Madison saves roughly $144/month on core expenses. That's ~$1,728/year.
What salary do I need in Madison to match my Denver lifestyle?
To maintain the same purchasing power as $75,000 in Denver, you'd need roughly $59,631/year in Madison. This is based on the overall COL index difference.
Estimates based on Q1 2026 COL index and market data. Budget uses simplified federal/state tax rates. Zillow · BLS · Numbeo · For general guidance only