Madison, WI vs Palatine, IL: Cost of Living Comparison
Madison has the lower overall cost of living. (100 = US national average)
Category-by-Category Comparison
| Category | Madison | Palatine | Cheaper |
|---|---|---|---|
| Overall cost of living | 100 | 106 | Madison |
| Housing | 100 ($955) | 100 ($1,027) | Tie |
| Transportation | 98 ($3.50) | 102 ($3.50) | Madison |
| Food & groceries | 103 ($422) | 128 ($525) | Madison |
| Utilities | 100 ($180) | 100 ($180) | Tie |
| Healthcare | 100 ($130) | 100 ($130) | Tie |
| Median annual wage | 104 ($50,270) | 107 ($51,960) | Madison |
Index 100 = US national average. Lower = cheaper. For wage, higher = better.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Madison, WI or Palatine, IL cheaper to live in?
Madison, WI is cheaper overall by about 6 index points (Madison, WI: 100, Palatine, IL: 106; 100 = US national average).
What salary do I need in Madison, WI vs Palatine, IL?
A single adult needs roughly $35,000/year in Madison, WI and $37,100/year in Palatine, IL to cover basic living costs.