Side-by-side cost of living comparison for 2026
10% cheaper
Madison is 10% more affordable than Burlington. A $75,000 salary in Burlington is equivalent to $67,373 in Madison.
Index values shown. National average = 100. Lower is cheaper.
To maintain the same standard of living:
See exact take-home pay: Vermont salaries · Wisconsin salaries
Housing is typically the biggest factor in any cost-of-living comparison. Burlington has a housing index of 139 while Madison sits at 115 (national average = 100). The median home in Burlington costs $380,000 compared to $340,000 in Madison, a difference of $40,000. Monthly rent follows a similar pattern: $1,800 in Burlington versus $1,400 in Madison.
Groceries and everyday expenses show a notable difference: Burlington scores 108 while Madison scores 101.
Healthcare costs in Burlington (116) are higher than Madison (105).
Median household income in Burlington is $51,098 compared to $67,565 in Madison. When adjusted for cost of living, income goes further in Madison.
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