Moving from Seattle to Madison (2026)
Madison has a COL index of 97 vs 150 for Seattle (100 = US average). You'd pay about 35% less for the same lifestyle.
Save ~$774/mo
on core expenses · $75K salary baseline
Key differences
COL index
15097
100 = US avg
1BR rent
$2,400$1,650
per month
State tax
None7.7%
income tax
Take-home at $75K
$4,741$4,259
per month
Salary needed in Madison to match your Seattle lifestyle
Based on the 35% cost of living decrease between the two cities.
| Your salary in Seattle | Equivalent in Madison |
|---|---|
| $40K | $25,867 |
| $50K | $32,333 |
| $60K | $38,800 |
| $75K | $48,500 |
| $80K | $51,733 |
| $100K | $64,667 |
| $120K | $77,600 |
| $150K | $97,000 |
Monthly budget at $75K — Seattle vs Madison
| Expense | Seattle | Madison |
|---|---|---|
| Monthly take-home | $4,741 | $4,259 |
| 1BR rent | $2,400 | $1,650 |
| Groceries | $410 | $384 |
| Transport | $100 | $62 |
| Utilities | $120 | $162 |
| Internet | $65 | $63 |
| Left after essentials | $1,646 | $1,938 |
Frequently asked questions
Is Madison cheaper than Seattle?
Yes. Madison has a cost of living index of 97 vs 150 for Seattle (100 = US average). That's about 35% cheaper.
How much will I save moving from Seattle to Madison?
On a $75K salary, moving from Seattle to Madison could save roughly $774/month on core expenses. That's ~$9,288/year.
What salary do I need in Madison to match my Seattle lifestyle?
To maintain the same purchasing power as $75,000 in Seattle, you'd need roughly $48,500/year in Madison. This is based on the overall COL index difference between the two cities.
Moving from Madison to SeattleSeattle vs Madison — full comparisonSeattle 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