Cost of Living in Madison, CT
Population 17,577 · Connecticut · Data vintage 2023
(100 = US avg)
Under 25,000 residents gives Madison a small-town character that shows up in every data point below — from the commute patterns to the rental inventory. A typical home runs $535,000. Unemployment has stayed elevated relative to the national figure — 6.4% as of the most recent ACS release — which shows up in household-income and poverty figures as well.
Madison sits roughly 15 miles east of New Haven — close enough that regional housing and labor patterns are shaped largely by the larger market. Median home values run roughly 115% higher than New Haven's $249,000.
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 $534,800 — 75% above the national median of $305,000. Median rent runs $2,046/month, 56% higher than the national median of $1,314/month. The median household income of $168,341/year is 126% higher than the US median of $74,580. The local unemployment rate is 6.4%, above the national average of 4.8%. Connecticut's top state income tax rate is 7.0% and the combined sales tax is 6.3%. The climate averages highs of 60.5°F and lows of 43.6°F. Overall, Madison has a cost of living index of 167 versus the US average of 100, meaning it is 67% 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
🌤 Climate
NOAA 1991–2020 Climate Normals
| Month | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| High °F | 38 | 40 | 47 | 58 | 68 | 76 | 82 | 81 | 75 | 64 | 53 | 44 |
| Low °F | 23 | 24 | 30 | 39 | 49 | 59 | 66 | 65 | 57 | 46 | 36 | 29 |
| Precip" | 2.72 | 2.84 | 3.66 | 4.19 | 3.54 | 3.47 | 3.36 | 3.55 | 4.03 | 3.78 | 3.12 | 3.53 |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cost of living in Madison, CT?
Madison has a cost index of 167 (100 = national average). It is 67% above the national average.
What is average rent in Madison, CT?
The median gross rent in Madison is $2,046 per month based on 2023 Census data.
What is the average home price in Madison?
The median home value in Madison is $534,800 according to 2023 Census ACS data.
What is the median income in Madison?
The median household income in Madison is $168,341 per year (2023 ACS 5-year estimates).
What is the sales tax in Madison, CT?
The combined state and local sales tax rate in Madison is 6.3%. The Connecticut state income tax top rate is 7.0%.
Is Madison, CT affordable?
Madison is above average in cost of living, with an index of 167 — about 67% higher than the national average.
What is the weather like in Madison?
Madison has average high temperatures of 60.5°F and average lows of 43.6°F. Annual precipitation is 41.8". Data from NOAA 1991–2020 Climate Normals.
Madison at a Glance
- Population
- 17,577
- Median Income
- $168,341
- Home Value
- $534,800
- Median Rent
- $2,046/mo
- Unemployment
- 6.4%
- Avg High Temp
- 60.5°F
- Sales Tax
- 6.3%
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