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.
Save ~$386/mo
on core expenses · $75K salary baseline
Key differences
COL index
12297
100 = US avg
1BR rent
$2,000$1,650
per month
State tax
4.4%7.7%
income tax
Take-home at $75K
$4,466$4,259
per month
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 |
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 |
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 could save roughly $386/month on core expenses. That's ~$4,632/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 between the two cities.
Moving from Madison to DenverDenver vs Madison — full comparisonDenver cost of livingMadison cost of living
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