Cost of Living in Madison, SD
Population 6,158 · South Dakota · Data vintage 2023
(100 = US avg)
Madison is a smaller South Dakota community of around 6000 residents, where median household incomes of $62,180 and housing costs ($191,000 for a typical home) give the local cost-of-living profile a distinctly small-town shape.
Madison is about 35 miles northwest of Sioux Falls, the nearest large metro — close enough that regional housing and labor patterns are shaped largely by the larger market. Median home values run roughly 29% lower than Sioux Falls' $271,000.
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 $191,400 — 37% below the national median of $305,000. Median rent runs $874/month, 33% lower than the national median of $1,314/month. The median household income of $62,180/year is 17% lower than the US median of $74,580. The local unemployment rate is 3.1%, below the national average of 4.8%. South Dakota charges no state income tax, a meaningful advantage for take-home pay. The climate averages highs of 55.5°F and lows of 34.8°F. Overall, Madison has a cost of living index of 64 versus the US average of 100, meaning it is 36% less expensive.
Madison has limited residential data
Detailed housing and income data is limited for this location. Here are the nearest cities with full cost of living data:
🏠 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 | 24 | 29 | 42 | 57 | 69 | 79 | 83 | 80 | 73 | 59 | 42 | 29 |
| Low °F | 6 | 11 | 23 | 34 | 47 | 58 | 61 | 59 | 49 | 37 | 23 | 12 |
| Precip" | 0.71 | 0.89 | 1.80 | 3.26 | 3.79 | 4.99 | 3.44 | 3.23 | 3.08 | 2.30 | 1.27 | 0.86 |
🏫 Schools
NCES CCD 2019 — public school district data
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cost of living in Madison, SD?
Madison has a cost index of 64 (100 = national average). It is 36% below the national average.
What is average rent in Madison, SD?
The median gross rent in Madison is $874 per month based on 2023 Census data.
What is the average home price in Madison?
The median home value in Madison is $191,400 according to Zillow and Census data.
What is the median income in Madison?
The median household income in Madison is $62,180 per year (2023 ACS 5-year estimates).
What is the sales tax in Madison, SD?
The combined state and local sales tax rate in Madison is 6.1%. South Dakota has no state income tax.
Is Madison, SD affordable?
Yes, Madison is generally considered affordable, with a cost of living index of 64 — about 36% below the US national average of 100.
What is the weather like in Madison?
Madison has average high temperatures of 55.5°F and average lows of 34.8°F. Annual precipitation is 29.6". Data from NOAA 1991–2020 Climate Normals.
Madison at a Glance
- Population
- 6,158
- Median Income
- $62,180
- Home Value
- $191,400
- Median Rent
- $874/mo
- Unemployment
- 3.1%
- Avg High Temp
- 55.5°F
- Sales Tax
- 6.1%
Nearby Cities
Explore county-level cost of living data
South Dakota Rankings
Similar Cost Cities
Cities in other states with comparable housing costs