Moving from Madison to Columbia (2026)
Columbia has a COL index of 88 vs 97 for Madison (100 = US average). You'd pay about 9% less for the same lifestyle.
Save ~$443/mo
on core expenses · $75K salary baseline
Key differences
COL index
9788
100 = US avg
1BR rent
$1,650$1,250
per month
State tax
7.7%4.7%
income tax
Take-home at $75K
$4,259$4,447
per month
Salary needed in Columbia to match your Madison lifestyle
Based on the 9% cost of living decrease between the two cities.
| Your salary in Madison | Equivalent in Columbia |
|---|---|
| $40K | $36,289 |
| $50K | $45,361 |
| $60K | $54,433 |
| $75K | $68,041 |
| $80K | $72,577 |
| $100K | $90,722 |
| $120K | $108,866 |
| $150K | $136,082 |
Monthly budget at $75K — Madison vs Columbia
| Expense | Madison | Columbia |
|---|---|---|
| Monthly take-home | $4,259 | $4,447 |
| 1BR rent | $1,650 | $1,250 |
| Groceries | $384 | $365 |
| Transport | $62 | $45 |
| Utilities | $162 | $158 |
| Internet | $63 | $60 |
| Left after essentials | $1,938 | $2,569 |
Frequently asked questions
Is Columbia cheaper than Madison?
Yes. Columbia has a cost of living index of 88 vs 97 for Madison (100 = US average). That's about 9% cheaper.
How much will I save moving from Madison to Columbia?
On a $75K salary, moving from Madison to Columbia could save roughly $443/month on core expenses. That's ~$5,316/year.
What salary do I need in Columbia to match my Madison lifestyle?
To maintain the same purchasing power as $75,000 in Madison, you'd need roughly $68,041/year in Columbia. This is based on the overall COL index difference between the two cities.
Moving from Columbia to MadisonMadison vs Columbia — full comparisonMadison cost of livingColumbia 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