Uprootmap
Iowa City vs Madison
Iowa City and Madison
Photo: Dori / Wikimedia, CC BY 2.5
Assumed income $83,730, same in both cities. Example, until you change it.
Other cities
So you know: homicide deaths in Madison are under the US rate in this release, 2.1 versus 6.5 per 100,000. CDC via County Health Rankings, CDC NVSS 2017–2023 (CHR 2025 release).
Why people look at Iowa City to Madison
In 2022-2023, 62 households filed a move from Iowa City to Madison (about 95 people, average adjusted gross income $86,597). 36 households went the other way. Source: IRS migration.
A one-bedroom asking rent is about $911 in Iowa City and $1,330 in Madison. Iowa City has a state tax on wages. Madison has a state tax on wages. Local pay in Madison is 100% of the national level for the same work, against 84% in Iowa City.
Madison averages 188 sunny days, with July highs around 82°F and January nights around 12°F. Iowa City is 207 sunny days, 82°F in July, 19°F in January. Commutes average 21 minutes in Madison and 20 in Iowa City.
These figures are projections built from available public data. Conditions change, and the numbers may not reflect current prices, taxes, or immigration rules. Check official sources before you make decisions.
Who already made this move
In 2022-2023, 62 households moved Iowa City → Madison (about 95 people, average AGI $86,597). 36 households went the other way.
Source: IRS SOI county-to-county migration. Not a moving company; not a recommendation.
The monthly number is take-home pay minus rent and the other bills. The gap between Iowa City and Madison changes with the job, remote or local pay, and bedrooms. How we figure this.
What the move itself costs
About 181 road miles, 1 bedroom. Typical ranges, not quotes.
- Full-service mover
- $1,700–$3,250
- Container or pod
- $1,150–$2,200
- Rent a truck
- $450–$850
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Dig into Madison
Questions
Is Madison cheaper than Iowa City after tax and rent?
No. Madison leaves about $726 less a month, so the cost of living is higher there for this household. A one-bedroom is about $911 in Iowa City and $1,330 in Madison.
Does Madison have state income tax?
Madison is in Wisconsin, which taxes wage income.
Did people actually move from Iowa City to Madison?
Yes, when the IRS published that flow. The count and their average income are on this page. Leftover prices the same household in both cities.