Moving from Washington to Madison (2026)
Madison has a COL index of 97 vs 153 for Washington (100 = US average). You'd pay about 37% less for the same lifestyle.
Key differences
Salary needed in Madison to match your Washington lifestyle
Based on the 37% cost of living decrease between the two cities.
| Your salary in Washington | Equivalent in Madison |
|---|---|
| $40K | $25,359 |
| $50K | $31,699 |
| $60K | $38,039 |
| $75K | $47,549 |
| $80K | $50,719 |
| $100K | $63,399 |
| $120K | $76,078 |
| $150K | $95,098 |
Monthly budget at $75K — Washington vs Madison
| Expense | Washington | Madison |
|---|---|---|
| Monthly take-home | $4,378 | $4,259 |
| 1BR rent | $3,100 | $1,650 |
| Groceries | $422 | $384 |
| Transport | $100 | $62 |
| Utilities | $190 | $162 |
| Internet | $75 | $63 |
| Left after essentials | $491 | $1,938 |
Frequently asked questions
Is Madison cheaper than Washington?
Yes. Madison has a cost of living index of 97 vs 153 for Washington (100 = US average). That's about 37% cheaper.
How much will I save moving from Washington to Madison?
On a $75K salary, moving from Washington to Madison could save roughly $1,566/month on core expenses. That's ~$18,792/year.
What salary do I need in Madison to match my Washington lifestyle?
To maintain the same purchasing power as $75,000 in Washington, you'd need roughly $47,549/year in Madison. This is based on the overall COL index difference between the two cities.
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