Moving from Hartford to Madison (2026)
Madison has a COL index of 97 vs 107 for Hartford (100 = US average). You'd pay about 9% less for the same lifestyle.
Save ~$138/mo
on core expenses · $75K salary baseline
Key differences
COL index
10797
100 = US avg
1BR rent
$1,700$1,650
per month
State tax
7%7.7%
income tax
Take-home at $75K
$4,303$4,259
per month
Salary needed in Madison to match your Hartford lifestyle
Based on the 9% cost of living decrease between the two cities.
| Your salary in Hartford | Equivalent in Madison |
|---|---|
| $40K | $36,262 |
| $50K | $45,327 |
| $60K | $54,393 |
| $75K | $67,991 |
| $80K | $72,523 |
| $100K | $90,654 |
| $120K | $108,785 |
| $150K | $135,981 |
Monthly budget at $75K — Hartford vs Madison
| Expense | Hartford | Madison |
|---|---|---|
| Monthly take-home | $4,303 | $4,259 |
| 1BR rent | $1,700 | $1,650 |
| Groceries | $407 | $384 |
| Transport | $82 | $62 |
| Utilities | $200 | $162 |
| Internet | $70 | $63 |
| Left after essentials | $1,844 | $1,938 |
Frequently asked questions
Is Madison cheaper than Hartford?
Yes. Madison has a cost of living index of 97 vs 107 for Hartford (100 = US average). That's about 9% cheaper.
How much will I save moving from Hartford to Madison?
On a $75K salary, moving from Hartford to Madison could save roughly $138/month on core expenses. That's ~$1,656/year.
What salary do I need in Madison to match my Hartford lifestyle?
To maintain the same purchasing power as $75,000 in Hartford, you'd need roughly $67,991/year in Madison. This is based on the overall COL index difference between the two cities.
Moving from Madison to HartfordHartford vs Madison — full comparisonHartford 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