Side-by-side cost of living comparison for 2026
5% cheaper
Madison is 5% more affordable than Hartford. A $75,000 salary in Hartford is equivalent to $70,982 in Madison.
Index values shown. National average = 100. Lower is cheaper.
To maintain the same standard of living:
See exact take-home pay: Connecticut salaries · Wisconsin salaries
Housing is typically the biggest factor in any cost-of-living comparison. Hartford has a housing index of 121 while Madison sits at 115 (national average = 100). The median home in Hartford costs $215,000 compared to $340,000 in Madison, a difference of $125,000. Monthly rent follows a similar pattern: $1,200 in Hartford versus $1,400 in Madison.
Groceries and everyday expenses show a notable difference: Hartford scores 106 while Madison scores 101.
Healthcare costs in Hartford (114) are higher than Madison (105).
Median household income in Hartford is $40,068 compared to $67,565 in Madison. When adjusted for cost of living, income goes further in Madison.
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