Chicago, IL vs Madison, WI
Cost of Living Comparison
Madison, WI is more affordable by 6.3 index points
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Category | Chicago, IL | Madison, WI | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Overall | 103.6 | 97.3 | +6.3 |
| Housing | 112.0 | 99.7 | +12.3 |
| Goods | 107.3 | 93.8 | +13.5 |
| Utilities | 83.6 | 89.8 | -6.2 |
| Other Services | 100.5 | 99.4 | +1.1 |
Income & Housing Comparison
| Metric | Chicago, IL | Madison, WI |
|---|---|---|
| Median Household Income | $85,087 | $82,996 |
| Median Home Value | $288,400 | $320,700 |
| Median Monthly Rent | $1,310 | $1,228 |
| Per Capita Income | $45,977 | $47,694 |
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Chicago, IL or Madison, WI cheaper to live in?
Madison, WI is more affordable. The cost of living difference is 6.3 index points (Chicago, IL: 103.6, Madison, WI: 97.3).
Where is housing cheaper, Chicago, IL or Madison, WI?
Housing is more affordable in Madison, WI. Housing index: Chicago, IL (112.0) vs Madison, WI (99.7).