Data last updated: August 2026

New York, NYMadison, WI

You would need around 54.7% less money in Madison, WI to maintain the same standard of living you have in New York, NY.

Overall Cost of Living

54.7%

Madison, WI is cheaper than New York, NY

1-Bed Rent (City Center)

City A4,284 USD
City B1,717 USD
Difference-59.9%

Groceries (Monthly)

City A333 USD
City B265 USD
Difference-20.4%

Average Net Salary

City A5,423 USD
City B4,486 USD
Difference-17.3%

Editorial Insight: Planning a move from New York, NY to Madison, WI? Based on our verified data model, you are looking at a fantastic geo-arbitrage opportunity. Overall, the cost of living in Madison, WI is 54.7% cheaper. Housing is typically the biggest financial win—renting a 1-bedroom apartment in Madison, WI's center costs around 1,717 USD, which is a staggering 59.9% less than in New York, NY. If you are retaining a remote income, the Remote Wealth team ranks this as a highly strategic move for wealth accumulation.

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Reviewed by the Remote Wealth Editorial Team

Our cost of living data for New York, NY and Madison, WI is compiled using our rigorous verification methodology. We combine millions of data points from reliable sources to ensure you get the most accurate financial comparison for your relocation.

Read more about our team →

Salary Comparator

Find out exactly how much you need to earn in Madison, WI to maintain your current lifestyle in New York, NY.

USD

You need in Madison, WI

2,457 USD

Geo-Arbitrage FIRE

Discover how moving to a cheaper city accelerates your Financial Independence and Retire Early (FIRE) timeline.

By moving from New York, NY to Madison, WI and investing the 55% cost of living difference, you could reach FIRE 8.2 years earlier.

Budget Simulator

Instantly adapt your New York, NY budget to local Madison, WI prices. We automatically adjust housing, groceries, and leisure categories.

Housing1717 USD
Groceries265 USD
Utilities & Internet275 USD

Investment Planner

You save 2567 USD every month on rent alone by moving to Madison, WI.

Investing this rent difference in an S&P 500 index fund could grow to ~431,256 USD in 10 years.