Quick answer
Madison costs $470/month less overall ($1,880 vs $2,350/mo). But Philadelphia's 3.07% state income tax erases some of that gap — on an $80K salary, the tax difference is $3,664/year.
City Comparison · 2026
Madison vs Philadelphia
Side-by-side on rent, home prices, taxes, walkability, jobs, and climate — with a straight verdict for each type of mover.
Last updated: April 23, 2026
Madison vs Philadelphia at a Glance
| Metric | Madison | Philadelphia |
|---|---|---|
| 1BR Monthly Rent | $1,380 ✓ | $2,350 |
| 2BR Monthly Rent | $1,720 ✓ | $2,350 |
| Median Home Price | $370K | $280K ✓ |
| Avg Utilities/mo | $145 ✓ | $155 |
| Avg Groceries/mo | $355 ✓ | $395 |
| Monthly Cost (1BR) | $1,880 ✓ | $2,350 |
| Walk Score | 63/100 | 79/100 ✓ |
| Transit Score | 46/100 | 67/100 ✓ |
| State Income Tax | 7.65% | 3.07% ✓ |
Monthly cost = 1BR rent + utilities + groceries for one person. ✓ marks the lower/better value.
Cost of Living: What the Numbers Actually Mean
Rent gap: Madison's 1BR averages $1,380/month vs $1,800 in Philadelphia — a $420/month difference, or $5,040/year. That's a meaningful gap worth factoring into your decision.
State tax: Philadelphia charges 3.07% state income tax vs 7.65% in Madison. On an $80K salary that's a $3,664/year difference. On $120K, the gap grows to $9,180 vs $3,684 — important context if you're choosing between tech job offers.
Home buying: Median homes in Philadelphia are $280K vs $370K in Madison. At a 20% down payment, that's a $18,000 difference in upfront cash — significant at early-career savings rates.
Utilities: Philadelphia utilities run $10 more per month than Madison.
Walkability, Transit & Daily Life
Madison, WI
Madison's walkability means you can genuinely live without a car in the right neighborhoods.
TOP NEIGHBORHOODS
Philadelphia, PA
Philadelphia's walkability means you can genuinely live without a car in the right neighborhoods.
TOP NEIGHBORHOODS
Climate
Madison
Four seasons; brutal winters (lakes freeze solid for skating), warm summers, beautiful fall; 189 sunny days
Philadelphia
Four seasons; hot humid summers, cold winters with snow, beautiful fall foliage
Job Market
Madison top industries
Philadelphia top industries
Who Should Pick Which City
Move to Madison if…
- →You're a researchers / academics
- →You're a tech workers
- →You're a outdoor / lake lifestyle seekers
- →You're a progressive culture seekers
Move to Philadelphia if…
- →You're a healthcare workers
- →You're a researchers
- →You're a urban lifestyle seekers
- →You're a NYC workers seeking lower costs
- →You want to live without a car
- →You're buying a home and want more for your money
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Madison or Philadelphia cheaper to live in?
Madison is cheaper overall. Monthly costs (1BR rent + utilities + groceries) run $1,880 in Madison vs $2,350 in Philadelphia — a $470/month difference.
Which city is more walkable — Madison or Philadelphia?
Philadelphia is more walkable with a Walk Score of 79/100 vs 63/100. Madison is more car-dependent.
Madison vs Philadelphia: which has lower state income tax?
Philadelphia has lower state income tax (3.07%). On an $80K salary, that saves $3,664/year vs Madison (7.65%).
Is Madison or Philadelphia better for buying a home?
Philadelphia has lower median home prices at $280K vs $370K in Madison — a $90,000 difference on the median home.