Madison, WI Cost of Living & Economic Score
Federal Bureau of Economic Analysis cost-of-living and household-budget data for the Madison, WI metropolitan statistical area.
Cost of living in Madison
According to the U.S. Bureau of Economic Analysis, prices in the Madison, WI metropolitan area run 2.0% below the U.S. average (Regional Price Parity index 98.0 on a base of 100). That puts Madison close to the middle of the U.S. cost-of-living range.
For broader state context — including state taxes, insurance, and energy costs that affect every Wisconsin household — see the Wisconsin state report.
Other Wisconsin metros
- Milwaukee-Waukesha-West Allis, WI RPP 95.0 B-
Compare to similar-cost metros
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cost of living in Madison, WI?
The Madison, WI metro area has a Regional Price Parity (RPP) of 98.0 (U.S.=100), meaning prices are 2.0% below the national average. Source: U.S. Bureau of Economic Analysis.
Is Madison an affordable place to live?
Madison, WI has an InflationRank score of 78/100 (grade C+), reflecting cost of living near the U.S. national average. The metro RPP of 98.0 compares to a U.S. baseline of 100.
How does Madison compare to other cities for cost of living?
Madison, WI has a cost-of-living index of 98.0 (U.S.=100), 2.0% below the national average. Similar-cost metros include Eugene-Springfield, OR (RPP 98.0), Raleigh, NC (RPP 98.0).
About the InflationRank Score
The InflationRank Score is a proprietary 0–100 composite that summarizes a metro area's cost-of-living and economic conditions on a familiar A–F grading scale. The composite weighs cost level, inflation pressure, and income resilience, sourced from federal government datasets and reviewed annually as federal data refreshes.
Underlying data is drawn from authoritative federal economic agencies and public housing datasets. See full data sources →