Moving from Madison to Oaxaca (2026)
Oaxaca has a COL index of 32 vs 97 for Madison (100 = US average). You'd pay about 67% less for the same lifestyle.
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Key differences
Salary needed in Oaxaca to match your Madison lifestyle
Based on the 67% cost of living decrease between the two cities.
| Your salary in Madison | Equivalent in Oaxaca |
|---|---|
| $40K | $13,196 |
| $50K | $16,495 |
| $60K | $19,794 |
| $75K | $24,742 |
| $80K | $26,392 |
| $100K | $32,990 |
| $120K | $39,588 |
| $150K | $49,485 |
Adjust your salary
Monthly budget at $75K — Madison vs Oaxaca
| Expense | Madison | Oaxaca |
|---|---|---|
| Monthly take-home | $4,259 | $4,741 |
| 1BR rent | $1,650 | $400 |
| Groceries | $384 | $380 |
| Transport | $62 | $150 |
| Utilities | $162 | $45 |
| Internet | $63 | $25 |
| Left after essentials | $1,938 | $3,741 |
30-Year Wealth Builder
If you invest your monthly savings of $1,321 in a low-cost index fund (7% avg return), you'd accumulate an extra:
over 30 years compared to staying in Madison — that's the real price of a city.
Frequently asked questions
Is Oaxaca cheaper than Madison?
Yes. Oaxaca has a cost of living index of 32 vs 97 for Madison (100 = US average). That's about 67% cheaper.
How much will I save moving from Madison to Oaxaca?
On a $75K salary, moving from Madison to Oaxaca saves roughly $1,731/month on core expenses. That's ~$20,772/year.
What salary do I need in Oaxaca to match my Madison lifestyle?
To maintain the same purchasing power as $75,000 in Madison, you'd need roughly $24,742/year in Oaxaca. 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