Green Bay vs Madison: Cost of Living Comparison
Green Bay and Madison are Wisconsin's two most distinct mid-size cities. Green Bay is a blue-collar manufacturing hub famous for the Packers, while Madison blends state government with a major research university. Madison's housing costs run notably higher thanks to limited land between its isthmus lakes and strong demand from students and state workers. Green Bay offers some of the most affordable homeownership in the Upper Midwest, making it attractive for families seeking lower monthly payments without leaving Wisconsin.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Category | Green Bay | Madison | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Overall Index | 98 | 102 | Green Bay |
| Housing | 89 | 110 | Green Bay |
| Groceries | 97 | 100 | Green Bay |
| Transportation | 99 | 103 | Green Bay |
| Utilities | 98 | 99 | Green Bay |
Index values are estimates for general comparison purposes relative to a national average of 100. Lower is cheaper. Actual costs vary by neighborhood, household size, and lifestyle.
Visual Cost Comparison
Overall Index
Housing
Groceries
Transportation
Utilities
Green bars indicate the more affordable city in each category. National average = 100.
Salary Equivalent: Green Bay vs Madison
To maintain the same standard of living, here's what salaries earned in Green Bay are worth in Madison - and vice versa.
| Salary in Green Bay | Equivalent in Madison | Difference |
|---|---|---|
| $50,000 | $52,041 | +$2,041 |
| $75,000 | $78,061 | +$3,061 |
| $100,000 | $104,082 | +$4,082 |
| $150,000 | $156,122 | +$6,122 |
Madison is more expensive, so you need more income to maintain your standard of living.
Category-by-Category Breakdown
Housing (Green Bay wins): Housing is 24% cheaper in Green Bay than Madison. Madison has a housing index of 110 vs 89. This is typically the largest expense category and drives most of the overall cost difference.
Groceries (Green Bay wins): Grocery costs in Green Bay (index 97) are lower than Madison (index 100). Both cities are at or below the national average for groceries.
Transportation (Green Bay wins): Transportation costs index 99 in Green Bay vs 103 in Madison. This includes gas prices, car insurance, public transit fares, and vehicle maintenance. The difference is modest and unlikely to significantly impact your budget.
Utilities (Green Bay wins): Utilities cost less in Green Bay (index 98) than Madison (index 99). This covers electricity, natural gas, water, sewage, internet, and phone service. Climate plays a significant role - cities with extreme temperatures tend to have higher utility costs.
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FAQ - Green Bay vs Madison Cost of Living
Is Green Bay or Madison more expensive to live in?
Madison is more expensive overall, with a cost of living index of 102 compared to 98 (national average = 100). The biggest difference is in housing, where Madison costs 21 index points more.
How much more expensive is housing in Madison vs Green Bay?
Housing in Madison has an index of 110 compared to 89 in Green Bay. That's 24% more expensive. Housing is typically the largest factor in cost of living differences between cities.
What is a $100,000 salary in Green Bay worth in Madison?
A $100,000 salary in Green Bay is equivalent to approximately $104,082 in Madison. This means you would need to earn more in Madison to maintain the same standard of living.
Are groceries cheaper in Green Bay or Madison?
Groceries are cheaper in Green Bay, with an index of 97 compared to 100 in Madison. The national average is 100, so one city is above and one is below the national average.
Should I move from Green Bay to Madison to save money?
Madison is actually more expensive than Green Bay overall, with an index 4 points higher. However, consider your specific situation - salary differences between markets, state income taxes, and lifestyle preferences all factor in. Use our free calculator to estimate total relocation costs.