Side-by-side cost of living comparison for 2026
30% cheaper
Madison is 30% more affordable than Seattle. A $75,000 salary in Seattle is equivalent to $52,303 in Madison.
Index values shown. National average = 100. Lower is cheaper.
To maintain the same standard of living:
See exact take-home pay: Wisconsin salaries · Washington salaries
Housing is typically the biggest factor in any cost-of-living comparison. Madison has a housing index of 115 while Seattle sits at 224 (national average = 100). The median home in Madison costs $340,000 compared to $750,000 in Seattle, a difference of $410,000. Monthly rent follows a similar pattern: $1,400 in Madison versus $2,300 in Seattle.
Groceries and everyday expenses show a notable difference: Madison scores 101 while Seattle scores 109.
Healthcare costs in Madison (105) are lower than Seattle (109).
Median household income in Madison is $67,565 compared to $97,185 in Seattle. When adjusted for cost of living, income goes further in Madison.
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