Salary Needed to Live in Madison as a Couple
A couple sharing expenses without children needs approximately $27,658/year to live comfortably in Madison, WI — including 12% savings.
Comfortable Salary
$27,658
with 12% savings
Bare Minimum
$23,173
no savings buffer
Monthly Expenses
$1,429
1% below national avg
Detailed Monthly Budget for a Couple in Madison
| Expense | Madison | Nat'l Avg | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| 🏠 1-2BR Apartment Rent | $139 | $137 | +1% |
| 🛒 Groceries | $38 | $27 | +41% |
| ⚡ Utilities | $14 | $19 | -26% |
| 🚗 Transportation | $40 | $35 | +14% |
| 🛡️ Car Insurance | $144 | $211 | -32% |
| 🏥 Health Insurance | $50 | $53 | -6% |
| Internet | $68 | $65 | +5% |
| Phone (×2) | $146 | $140 | +4% |
| Dining & Social | $468 | $450 | +4% |
| Entertainment | $187 | $180 | +4% |
| Personal Care (×2) | $135 | $130 | +4% |
| Total Monthly | $1,429 | $1,447 | -1% |
How We Calculated the Salary
Monthly expenses:$1,429
Target savings (12%):$233/mo
Monthly after-tax needed:$1,662
Effective tax rate:26%
Gross annual salary needed:$27,658
Other Household Types in Madison
Related Pages
FAQ
What salary does a couple (no kids) need in Madison?
A couple (no kids) needs approximately $27,658/year ($2,305/month gross) to live comfortably in Madison with a 12% savings rate.
How much is rent for a couple (no kids) in Madison?
A 1-2br apartment in Madison costs approximately $139/month, which is the largest single expense at 10% of the total budget.
Is Madison affordable for a couple (no kids)?
Madison is roughly average for couple (no kids) costs, requiring a salary close to the national median.