Madison, WI vs Waterloo, IA: Cost of Living Comparison
Waterloo has the lower overall cost of living. (100 = US national average)
Category-by-Category Comparison
| Category | Madison | Waterloo | Cheaper |
|---|---|---|---|
| Overall cost of living | 100 | 68 | Waterloo |
| Housing | 100 ($955) | 43 ($627) | Waterloo |
| Transportation | 98 ($3.50) | 106 ($3.50) | Madison |
| Food & groceries | 103 ($422) | 75 ($308) | Waterloo |
| Utilities | 100 ($180) | 72 ($77) | Waterloo |
| Healthcare | 100 ($130) | 72 ($56) | Waterloo |
| Median annual wage | 104 ($50,270) | 100 ($48,540) | Waterloo |
Index 100 = US national average. Lower = cheaper. For wage, higher = better.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Madison, WI or Waterloo, IA cheaper to live in?
Waterloo, IA is cheaper overall by about 32 index points (Madison, WI: 100, Waterloo, IA: 68; 100 = US national average).
What salary do I need in Madison, WI vs Waterloo, IA?
A single adult needs roughly $35,000/year in Madison, WI and $23,800/year in Waterloo, IA to cover basic living costs.