Average Rent in Madison, WI (2026)
The average 1-bedroom rent in Madison, WI is $1,556/month as of 2026, based on HUD data across 17 ZIP codes. Rents have changed +2.7% year over year. Rents range from $1,360 to $1,840.
Average Rent · 1-Bedroom
$1,556/mo
Source: HUD Fair Market Rent · 17 zip codes
Year-over-Year
↑ +2.7%
Source: Apartment List, Zillow ZORI, HUD Fair Market Rent
Data through
The average 1-bedroom rent in Madison, WI is $1,556/month according to HUD FY2026 Fair Market Rent data, covering 17 ZIP codes. Rents have increased 2.7% year-over-year. The average 1-bedroom rent in Madison is 30% above the national average of $1,196/month.
Average rent in Madison, WI ranges from $1,360 to $1,840 across 17 ZIP codes.
Based on local market data, a fair rent increase in Madison, WI is approximately 2.7% for 2026. An increase above 2.7% exceeds the local market trend and may be worth negotiating.
Key Facts
Sources: Apartment List, Zillow ZORI, HUD Fair Market Rent, HUD SAFMR, Rentcast. Updated February 2026.
How much is rent in Madison, WI?
The average 1-bedroom rent in Madison, WI is $1,556/month as of 2026, based on HUD data across 17 ZIP codes. Rents range from $1,360 to $1,840 depending on neighborhood — a $480/month spread. To afford this at the 30% rule, a household would need approximately $62,240/year.
Is rent going up in Madison?
Rents in Madison have increased 2.7% year over year based on local market data. This suggests a relatively stable rental market.
What is a fair rent increase in Madison?
Based on local market data, a rent increase around 2.7% is in line with the Madison market for 2026. An increase above that level exceeds the local trend and may be worth pushing back on. Check your specific increase with RenewalReply's free rent analysis tool.
Rent Trends in Madison
+2.7%
Rents in Madison are rising at +2.7% year-over-year.
⚠ Mixed signals
Market sources range from +0.1% to +15.1%
Why the range? Zillow ZORI tracks what landlords are asking for units (+2.5%), while Apartment List tracks what renters actually sign leases at (+0.1%).Landlords are asking more than renters are paying — this suggests renters may have negotiating leverage in Madison right now.
Sources: Apartment List, Zillow ZORI, HUD Fair Market Rent
What Should Rent Cost in Madison?
Typical rent ranges based on HUD benchmarks and market data. In areas with limited listing data, ranges reflect federal benchmarks and may be wider than actual market conditions.
A studio in Madison typically rents for $1,333 – $1,440.
Rents above $1,656 are in the top 25% for this area.
A 1-bedroom in Madison typically rents for $1,556 – $1,680.
Rents above $1,932 are in the top 25% for this area.
A 2-bedroom in Madison typically rents for $1,779 – $1,921.
Rents above $2,209 are in the top 25% for this area.
A 3-bedroom in Madison typically rents for $2,349 – $2,537.
Rents above $2,918 are in the top 25% for this area.
A 4-bedroom in Madison typically rents for $2,634 – $2,845.
Rents above $3,272 are in the top 25% for this area.
Federal Rent Benchmarks for Madison
HUD Fair Market Rents are federal rent benchmarks published annually by HUD. They provide a consistent baseline for comparing rents across areas.
Studio
$1,333
HUD Fair Market Rent
1-Bedroom
$1,556
HUD Fair Market Rent
2-Bedroom
$1,779
HUD Fair Market Rent
3-Bedroom
$2,349
HUD Fair Market Rent
4-Bedroom
$2,634
HUD Fair Market Rent
Source: HUD SAFMR FY2026 · Updated
Zip Codes in Madison
Click any zip code for detailed rent data including zip-specific SAFMR rates, nearby comparables, and a free rent increase check.
SAFMR rates are zip-specific.
How Does Madison Compare?
Questions about rent in Madison
What is the average 1-bedroom rent in Madison, WI?
The average 1-bedroom fair market rent in Madison, WI is $1,556/month as of 2026, based on HUD rent data across 17 ZIP codes in the city. This is 30% above the national average of $1,196/month. Rents range from $1,360 to $1,840 depending on ZIP code.
What is a fair rent increase in Madison?
A rent increase up to about 2.7% is broadly in line with the recent market trend in Madison. Increases above that level are above trend and should be tested against neighborhood-level pricing and comparable rentals. The current average 1-BR rent is $1,556/month.
Are rents going up or down in Madison?
Rents in Madison have increased 2.7% year over year based on local market data. This reflects local market conditions across 17 ZIP codes in the Madison, WI HUD Metro FMR Area area.
How much do rents vary across Madison?
1-bedroom rents across Madison range from $1,360 to $1,840 on this page, a $480/month spread. This shows that rent can vary materially across ZIP codes within the same city, reflecting neighborhood-level differences in housing stock and demand.
Can my landlord raise my rent in Madison?
We could not identify a city-specific rent cap for Madison. Landlords must still follow applicable state and local notice rules before raising rent at lease renewal. Requirements vary — check your state's landlord-tenant statute for specifics on notice periods and timing.
How much should I spend on rent in Madison?
The general guideline is to spend no more than 30% of your gross income on rent. With average 1-bedroom rent in Madison at $1,556/month, a household would need approximately $62,240/year in gross income to afford this comfortably. Many renters in high-cost areas spend above this threshold — our free tool can help you assess whether your specific rent is fair for your ZIP code.
Renting in Madison, WI? Your rent could be building your credit.
Report your monthly rent payments to all 3 credit bureaus — the same ones your next landlord will check. Takes 2 minutes to set up.
RenewalReply may earn a commission at no cost to you. Learn more
Renters insurance from $5/mo
Protect your belongings from theft, fire, and water damage. Takes 2 minutes and most landlords require it.
RenewalReply may earn a commission at no cost to you. Learn more
Renter Tools
Browse Madison ZIP Codes
See rent data by ZIP code in this city.
Renter Guides
- How to Negotiate a Rent Increase →
A data-driven guide with free email templates for pushing back on your landlord.
- Rent Increase Laws in Wisconsin →
See notice rules, caps, and tenant protections in Wisconsin.
- What Should I Pay for Rent? →
How to compare rent prices and know if you're getting a fair deal.
Market data updated monthly from public and third-party sources. Actual rents vary by unit, building, and lease terms. For informational purposes only — not legal or financial advice. See methodology →