Cost of Living in Madison, NJ
Population 16,464 · New Jersey · Data vintage 2023
(100 = US avg)
Housing in Madison sits 189% above the national median — $883,000 for the typical home — but median household incomes near $168,469 (126% above the US figure) soften the blow that similar pricing creates in lower-wage metros. Unemployment has stayed elevated relative to the national figure — 6.8% as of the most recent ACS release — which shows up in household-income and poverty figures as well.
Madison sits roughly 13 miles west of Newark — close enough that regional housing and labor patterns are shaped largely by the larger market. Median home values run roughly 161% higher than Newark's $338,000.
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 $882,900 — 189% above the national median of $305,000. Median rent runs $2,248/month, 71% higher than the national median of $1,314/month. The median household income of $168,469/year is 126% higher than the US median of $74,580. The local unemployment rate is 6.8%, above the national average of 4.8%. New Jersey's top state income tax rate is 10.8% and the combined sales tax is 6.6%. The climate averages highs of 62.4°F and lows of 43.8°F. Overall, Madison has a cost of living index of 242 versus the US average of 100, meaning it is 142% 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 | 41 | 49 | 62 | 72 | 81 | 85 | 84 | 76 | 65 | 53 | 43 |
| Low °F | 23 | 24 | 31 | 41 | 51 | 60 | 66 | 64 | 57 | 45 | 35 | 28 |
| Precip" | 3.04 | 2.55 | 4.07 | 3.71 | 3.39 | 4.27 | 4.33 | 4.49 | 3.72 | 3.97 | 3.30 | 4.04 |
💨 Air Quality
EPA AQS 2023 — county-level monitoring data
🏫 Schools
NCES CCD 2019 — public school district data
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cost of living in Madison, NJ?
Madison has a cost index of 242 (100 = national average). It is 142% above the national average.
What is average rent in Madison, NJ?
The median gross rent in Madison is $2,248 per month based on 2023 Census data.
What is the average home price in Madison?
The median home value in Madison is $882,900 according to Zillow and Census data.
What is the median income in Madison?
The median household income in Madison is $168,469 per year (2023 ACS 5-year estimates).
What is the sales tax in Madison, NJ?
The combined state and local sales tax rate in Madison is 6.6%. The New Jersey state income tax top rate is 10.8%.
Is Madison, NJ affordable?
Madison is above average in cost of living, with an index of 242 — about 142% higher than the national average.
What is the weather like in Madison?
Madison has average high temperatures of 62.4°F and average lows of 43.8°F. Annual precipitation is 44.9". Data from NOAA 1991–2020 Climate Normals.
Madison at a Glance
- Population
- 16,464
- Median Income
- $168,469
- Home Value
- $882,900
- Median Rent
- $2,248/mo
- Unemployment
- 6.8%
- Avg High Temp
- 62.4°F
- Sales Tax
- 6.6%
Nearby Cities
Explore county-level cost of living data
New Jersey Rankings
Similar Cost Cities
Cities in other states with comparable housing costs