Quick answer
⚠️ Possible, but a stretch. A nurse in Madison earns roughly $80,524/yr (~$4,476/mo take-home) and a 1BR costs $1,380/mo — that's 31% of take-home on rent. The standard is 30% or less.
WI · 2026
Can a Registered Nurse Afford to Live in Madison?
Using local salary estimates and Madison's actual cost of living — rent, taxes, utilities, and groceries — here's the real monthly picture for a nurse in Madison, WI in 2026.
Monthly Budget Breakdown
Gross monthly salary
$80,524/yr local estimate
$6,710
Taxes (federal + state + FICA)
7.65% state income tax
-$2,234
Monthly take-home
After all taxes
$4,476
1BR rent
31% of take-home
-$1,380
Utilities
Electric, gas, internet avg
-$145
Groceries
Single-person estimate
-$355
Transport
Car or transit average
-$350
Left for everything else
Dining, clothing, fun, savings
$2,246
At a 40% savings rate on discretionary income, a nurse in Madison could save roughly $10,776/year after covering all essentials.
What Does 31% Rent Burden Mean?
The standard rule of thumb is to spend no more than 30% of gross income on rent. At 31% of take-home pay, a nurse in Madison is above the recommended threshold. Not impossible, but you'll need to keep non-rent expenses lean.
These numbers use a local salary estimate of $80,524/yr — adjusted from the national Registered Nurse median of $81,220/yr based on Madison's cost of living index. Actual salaries vary by employer, experience, and specialization.
Best Neighborhoods in Madison for a Registered Nurse
Based on walkability, rent levels, and quality of life — not just lowest price.
Willy Street (Williamson St)
Hippie roots, co-ops, walkable, Lake Monona, most character; 1BR $1,300–1,700
Atwood / Schenk-Atwood
Affordable, diverse, restaurants, artsy, bike-friendly; 1BR $1,100–1,500
Isthmus / Downtown
State Street pedestrian mall, Capitol Square, UW edge, very walkable; 1BR $1,400–1,900
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the average salary for a Registered Nurse in Madison?
A Registered Nurse in Madison earns approximately $80,524 per year, based on the national BLS median of $81,220/yr adjusted for Madison's cost of living. Actual pay varies by employer, experience, and specialization.
Is Madison affordable for a nurse in 2026?
It's a stretch. Rent takes 31% of take-home pay — above the recommended 30%. Sharing a 2BR or targeting higher-paying employers makes more sense.
How much take-home pay does a Registered Nurse get in Madison?
After federal taxes, 7.65% state income tax, and FICA, a Registered Nurse earning $80,524/yr takes home roughly $4,476/month in Madison.
What is the rent-to-income ratio for a Registered Nurse in Madison?
A 1-bedroom apartment in Madison costs a median of $1,380/month. On a Registered Nurse salary, that's 31% of monthly take-home pay. Financial experts recommend keeping this below 30%.