Cost of Living in Madison, AL
Population 58,335 · Alabama · Data vintage 2023
(100 = US avg)
Most of Madison's cost indicators track within a reasonable band of national figures, with median household incomes near $131,436 — a more representative starting point for relocation math than the headline-expensive or headline-cheap cities on either tail. An unemployment rate of 2.5% points to a labor market well on the tight side of the national distribution.
Madison sits roughly 5 miles west of Huntsville — close enough that regional housing and labor patterns are shaped largely by the larger market. Median home values run roughly 40% higher than Huntsville's $263,000.
Cost Overview
Scale: 100 = US national average. Green < 90, Red > 110.
About the Cost of Living in Madison
The median home value in Madison is $367,900 — 21% above the national median of $305,000. Median rent runs $1,375/month, 5% higher than the national median of $1,314/month. The median household income of $131,436/year is 76% higher than the US median of $74,580. The local unemployment rate is 2.5%, below the national average of 4.8%. Alabama's top state income tax rate is 5.0% and the combined sales tax is 9.2%. Overall, Madison has a cost of living index of 114 versus the US average of 100, meaning it is 14% more expensive.
🏠 Housing
HUD Fair Market Rents by Bedroom
💰 Estimated Monthly Budget
Estimates based on median data and national averages. Actual costs vary.
🛒 Food & Groceries
National BLS average prices (2023). Local prices may vary.
🚗 Transportation
Commute Mode
⚡ Utilities
📋 Taxes
💼 Income & Employment
🎓 Education
👥 Demographics
💨 Air Quality
EPA AQS 2023 — county-level monitoring data
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cost of living in Madison, AL?
Madison has a cost index of 114 (100 = national average). It is 14% above the national average.
What is average rent in Madison, AL?
The median gross rent in Madison is $1,375 per month based on 2023 Census data.
What is the average home price in Madison?
The median home value in Madison is $367,900 according to Zillow and Census data.
What is the median income in Madison?
The median household income in Madison is $131,436 per year (2023 ACS 5-year estimates).
What is the sales tax in Madison, AL?
The combined state and local sales tax rate in Madison is 9.2%. The Alabama state income tax top rate is 5.0%.
Is Madison, AL affordable?
Madison is above average in cost of living, with an index of 114 — about 14% higher than the national average.
Madison at a Glance
- Population
- 58,335
- Median Income
- $131,436
- Home Value
- $367,900
- Median Rent
- $1,375/mo
- Unemployment
- 2.5%
- Sales Tax
- 9.2%
Nearby Cities
Explore county-level cost of living data
Alabama Rankings
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