Data last updated: October 2026

Sydney, AustraliaMadison, WI

You would need around 25.6% less money in Madison, WI to maintain the same standard of living you have in Sydney, Australia.

Overall Cost of Living

25.6%

Madison, WI is cheaper than Sydney, Australia

1-Bed Rent (City Center)

City A2,518 USD
City B1,717 USD
Difference-31.8%

Groceries (Monthly)

City A275 USD
City B265 USD
Difference-3.6%

Average Net Salary

City A4,206 USD
City B4,486 USD
Difference+6.7%

Editorial Insight: Planning a move from Sydney, Australia 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 25.6% 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 31.8% less than in Sydney, Australia. 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 Sydney, Australia 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 Sydney, Australia.

USD

You need in Madison, WI

3,128 USD

Geo-Arbitrage FIRE

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

By moving from Sydney, Australia to Madison, WI and investing the 26% cost of living difference, you could reach FIRE 3.8 years earlier.

Budget Simulator

Instantly adapt your Sydney, Australia 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 801 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 ~134,568 USD in 10 years.