Salary Needed to Live in Madison as a Single
A single adult living independently needs approximately $19,594/year to live comfortably in Madison, WI — including 10% savings.
Comfortable Salary
$19,594
with 10% savings
Bare Minimum
$16,946
no savings buffer
Monthly Expenses
$1,045
3% below national avg
Detailed Monthly Budget for a Single in Madison
| Expense | Madison | Nat'l Avg | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| 🏠 Studio/1BR Rent | $115 | $113 | +2% |
| 🛒 Groceries | $25 | $17 | +47% |
| ⚡ Utilities | $10 | $14 | -29% |
| 🚗 Transportation | $30 | $26 | +15% |
| 🛡️ Car Insurance | $144 | $211 | -32% |
| 🏥 Health Insurance | $50 | $53 | -6% |
| Internet | $68 | $65 | +5% |
| Phone | $88 | $85 | +4% |
| Dining & Social | $312 | $300 | +4% |
| Entertainment | $125 | $120 | +4% |
| Personal Care | $78 | $75 | +4% |
| Total Monthly | $1,045 | $1,079 | -3% |
How We Calculated the Salary
Monthly expenses:$1,045
Target savings (10%):$134/mo
Monthly after-tax needed:$1,179
Effective tax rate:26%
Gross annual salary needed:$19,594
Other Household Types in Madison
Related Pages
FAQ
What salary does a single person need in Madison?
A single person needs approximately $19,594/year ($1,633/month gross) to live comfortably in Madison with a 10% savings rate.
How much is rent for a single person in Madison?
A studio/1br in Madison costs approximately $115/month, which is the largest single expense at 11% of the total budget.
Is Madison affordable for a single person?
Madison is roughly average for single person costs, requiring a salary close to the national median.