DeKalb, IL vs Madison, WI: Cost of Living Comparison
DeKalb has the lower overall cost of living. (100 = US national average)
Category-by-Category Comparison
| Category | DeKalb | Madison | Cheaper |
|---|---|---|---|
| Overall cost of living | 75 | 100 | DeKalb |
| Housing | 58 ($721) | 100 ($955) | DeKalb |
| Transportation | 114 ($3.50) | 98 ($3.50) | Madison |
| Food & groceries | 62 ($254) | 103 ($422) | DeKalb |
| Utilities | 79 ($104) | 100 ($180) | DeKalb |
| Healthcare | 79 ($75) | 100 ($130) | DeKalb |
| Median annual wage | 107 ($51,960) | 104 ($50,270) | Madison |
Index 100 = US national average. Lower = cheaper. For wage, higher = better.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is DeKalb, IL or Madison, WI cheaper to live in?
DeKalb, IL is cheaper overall by about 25 index points (DeKalb, IL: 75, Madison, WI: 100; 100 = US national average).
What salary do I need in DeKalb, IL vs Madison, WI?
A single adult needs roughly $26,250/year in DeKalb, IL and $35,000/year in Madison, WI to cover basic living costs.