2026
Salary needed to live in Madison, WI (2026)
One adult needs about $55,700 before tax. Comfortable means both of these, while renting. Rent is at most 30% of gross pay. And money left after tax, rent, and the other modelled bills is at least $500 a month for one adult, $800 for a couple, or $1,000 for a family of two adults and one school-age child. The family row uses a two-bedroom and does not include full-time childcare.
Your saved paycheck is $93,810 from Chicago. You clear this figure by $38,110.
| Household | Salary needed | Rent | Rent share | Left each month |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Single One adult, one bedroom | $55,700 | $1,330 | 29% | $500 |
Couple Two adults, two equal paychecks, one bedroom | $83,800 | $1,330 | 19% | $806 |
Family Two adults, one school-age child, two bedrooms, no full-time childcare | $97,800 | $1,583 | 19% | $1,005 |
For one adult, leftover is the number that binds. Pay has to rise past the 30% rent line before $500 is left.
Is this a good salary in Madison?
One adult, one bedroom, earning the salary in Madison. Yes means rent is within 30% and at least $500 is left. Tight means something is left, but one of those two misses. No means the modelled bills use the paycheck.
| Salary | Left each month | Rent share | Good salary? |
|---|---|---|---|
| $50,000 | $143 | 32% | Tight |
| $75,000 | $1,611 | 21% | Yes |
| $100,000 | $2,966 | 16% | Yes |
| $150,000 | $5,624 | 11% | Yes |
| $200,000 | $8,374 | 8% | Yes |
Questions
What salary do you need to live in Madison?
$55,700 for one adult in a one-bedroom in Madison, WI. A couple needs $83,800. A family of three needs $97,800.
Is $100,000 a good salary in Madison?
Yes. $100,000 in Madison keeps rent within 30% of gross and leaves at least $500 a month after tax, rent, and the other modelled bills.
Is $75,000 a good salary in Madison?
Yes. $75,000 in Madison keeps rent within 30% of gross and leaves at least $500 a month after tax, rent, and the other modelled bills.
How is the salary for Madison calculated?
Gross pay is solved so rent is at most 30% of it and leftover clears the cushion. Tax is federal, payroll, and WI wage tax, the same calculator as the city paycheck. The salary is what you earn in Madison, not a remote paycheck held constant.