Photo by Cesar Andriola on Unsplash (https://unsplash.com/@clandriola)
Madison, Wisconsin Retirement Guide
Retirement Score
Madison, Wisconsin at a Glance
- Median Home Price
- $358,500
- State Income Tax
- State income tax; Social Security fully exempt; pension income generally taxable.
- Avg January Low
- 12.9°F
- Cost of Living Index
- 92.4 (US avg = 100)
- RetireCityIQ Score
- 46 / 100
Overview
Explore the key retirement factors for Madison, Wisconsin, including cost of living, taxes, healthcare quality, and climate data.
Cost of Living
Affordability Metrics
Madison's cost of living is 7.599999999999994% below the national average. For a detailed breakdown of expenses, see our cost of living methodology.
Housing
Real Estate & Housing
10-Year Housing Stress Test (Estimate)
Estimate monthly homeowner carrying cost in Madison using median home price and adjustable assumptions. Stress case applies +10% property tax, +20% insurance, +10% maintenance.
Estimated monthly carrying cost
$777
Stress-case monthly carrying cost
$872
Median home price used: $358,500
Median rent reference: $1,260 / month
Estimate includes property tax, insurance, maintenance reserve, and HOA. It excludes mortgage, utilities, and one-time transaction costs.
Budget validation
Calculate if your savings last in this city
Use RetireFree to test whether your portfolio can support retirement in Madison, Wisconsin after local housing costs, taxes, healthcare, inflation, and withdrawal timing.
Open the RetireFree Calculator →Healthcare
Access & Quality
Quality of care and specialist availability are critical for a successful retirement. Madison scores 21.9 out of 100 for healthcare access.
Care planning link
Find local assisted living in Madison
If your city research includes aging parents, future care needs, or a move closer to family, compare local care options alongside housing and healthcare access.
Assisted living in Madison →Taxes
State Tax Climate
Wisconsin has a tax environment that is moderate for retirees.
Climate
Weather & Environment
With 262 sunny days a year and an average January low of 12.9°F, Madison offers a traditional winter climate.
Safety & Walkability
Community Safety
Walkability
Demographics
Population Profile
Diversity Breakdown
Frequently asked questions about retiring in Madison
What is the cost of living in Madison, Wisconsin for retirees?▾
The cost-of-living index is 92, roughly 8% below the national average of 100. Median home price is around $358,500.
Does Wisconsin tax Social Security or retirement income?▾
For Wisconsin residents: State income tax; Social Security fully exempt; pension income generally taxable.
What is the climate like in Madison, Wisconsin?▾
Madison, Wisconsin has January average low around 13°F, July average high around 82°F. Climate normals are based on 30-year averages from NOAA's National Centers for Environmental Information.
What is healthcare access like in Madison, Wisconsin?▾
Madison scores 22/100 on the RetireCityIQ healthcare access index — a limited score. The index combines CMS hospital quality ratings, Medicare Advantage plan availability, and hospitals per 100,000 residents (KFF + CMS data).
Local Professionals
Financial Advisors
MADISON INVESTMENT ADVISORS, LLC
WISCONSIN CAPITAL MANAGEMENT, LLC
ENRICH FINANCIAL PARTNERS LLC
+74 more financial advisors available