Madison vs Denver: Cost of Living Comparison
Madison and Denver attract similar profiles: educated professionals who value outdoor access and tech-forward economies. Denver offers Rocky Mountain access and a larger job market at higher housing costs, while Madison provides lake culture, a strong university anchor, and housing costs 20-30% below Denver. Colorado's moderate tax rate compares favorably to Wisconsin's higher rates, partially offsetting Denver's housing premium.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Category | Madison | Denver | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Overall Index | 102 | 127 | Madison |
| Housing | 110 | 168 | Madison |
| Groceries | 100 | 104 | Madison |
| Transportation | 103 | 107 | Madison |
| Utilities | 99 | 97 | Denver |
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: Madison vs Denver
To maintain the same standard of living, here's what salaries earned in Madison are worth in Denver - and vice versa.
| Salary in Madison | Equivalent in Denver | Difference |
|---|---|---|
| $50,000 | $62,255 | +$12,255 |
| $75,000 | $93,382 | +$18,382 |
| $100,000 | $124,510 | +$24,510 |
| $150,000 | $186,765 | +$36,765 |
Denver is more expensive, so you need more income to maintain your standard of living.
Category-by-Category Breakdown
Housing (Madison wins): Housing is 53% cheaper in Madison than Denver. Denver has a housing index of 168 vs 110. This is typically the largest expense category and drives most of the overall cost difference.
Groceries (Madison wins): Grocery costs in Madison (index 100) are lower than Denver (index 104). Denver is above the national average while Madison is below.
Transportation (Madison wins): Transportation costs index 103 in Madison vs 107 in Denver. This includes gas prices, car insurance, public transit fares, and vehicle maintenance. The difference is modest and unlikely to significantly impact your budget.
Utilities (Denver wins): Utilities cost more in Madison (index 99) than Denver (index 97). 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 - Madison vs Denver Cost of Living
Is Madison or Denver more expensive to live in?
Denver is more expensive overall, with a cost of living index of 127 compared to 102 (national average = 100). The biggest difference is in housing, where Denver costs 58 index points more.
How much more expensive is housing in Denver vs Madison?
Housing in Denver has an index of 168 compared to 110 in Madison. That's 53% more expensive. Housing is typically the largest factor in cost of living differences between cities.
What is a $100,000 salary in Madison worth in Denver?
A $100,000 salary in Madison is equivalent to approximately $124,510 in Denver. This means you would need to earn more in Denver to maintain the same standard of living.
Are groceries cheaper in Madison or Denver?
Groceries are cheaper in Madison, with an index of 100 compared to 104 in Denver. The national average is 100, so one city is above and one is below the national average.
Should I move from Madison to Denver to save money?
Denver is actually more expensive than Madison overall, with an index 25 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.