LOCAL FOOD · YOUTUBE SHORT
Toby's Supper Club - Friday Night Fish Fry - Madison, WI
A local food Short shared by RTK Adventures.
Watch on YouTube ↗
Relocation guide
Moving to Madison
What it costs, what the weather is like, schools, outdoors and the honest pros and cons, from public data.
Population
275,568
Median age 31.8
Median household income
$76,983
Median rent
$1,364/mo
Median home value
$346,900
Schools
77
5 districts
Summer high / winter low
82° / 12°
Pros
- Rent takes only about 21% of the median household income.
- Mild weather in May, August, September, with highs between 65°F and 85°F.
- 131 parks, playgrounds and dog parks in the city.
- 27 national forests, lakes and recreation areas within reach.
Cons
- Property taxes are high: about 1.84% of home value a year (US 0.98%).
- Cold winters: January lows average 12°F.
Pros and cons come from comparisons with US medians and the city’s 30-year weather normals; they leave out things numbers can’t capture.
Plan your move
Where in Madison?
Madison spans 14 zip codes. Median home values range from $259,100 to $600,500 by zip.
Compare zip codesLife in Madison
See Madison
LOCAL FOOD · YOUTUBE SHORT
SOLO DINNER AT GRAZE IN MADISON, WI
A local food Short shared by TRAVELING WITH NIQUA.
Watch on YouTube ↗Questions
Is Madison a good place to live?
It depends on what you need. Rent takes only about 21% of the median household income. Mild weather in May, August, September, with highs between 65°F and 85°F. On the other hand: Property taxes are high: about 1.84% of home value a year (US 0.98%). Cold winters: January lows average 12°F.
How much do I need to earn to live in Madison?
The median household earns $76,983. Rent at the median ($1,364/month) is about 21% of that; a common rule of thumb is to keep rent under 30% of income, which means earning about $54,560 a year.
How many schools are in Madison?
77 public and private schools across 5 districts. See the schools page for each school’s grades and contact details.
What is the weather like in Madison?
Highs average 82°F in July and lows 12°F in January. The most comfortable months are May, August, September.
Sources: U.S. Census Bureau, American Community Survey 2019–2023 5-year estimates; NOAA climate normals; NCES schools; OpenStreetMap parks; Recreation.gov.