City comparison
No. Madison's crime index is 91 versus 223 in Washington, and its violent crime index is 68 versus 243, using 2024-2025 FBI data.
Madison is cheaper. Median rent is $1,413 a month versus $1,954 in Washington.
Safety is where Washington and Madison split most clearly. Madison scores 132 points better on the crime index, a gap that shows up in evening walks, parking situations, and insurance rates. Rent runs $1,954 in Washington and $1,413 in Madison.
Neither city has a clear overall edge here. Madison costs less and Washington pays more: the right call depends on whether you are optimizing for take-home pay or monthly burn rate. Both are defensible choices for different reasons.
The rent gap is real but neighborhoods matter. Madison at $1,413 average has pockets that run $1,213 and others at $1,813: your actual number depends on which part of the city you land in.
The move
Washington and Madison are 706 miles apart in a straight line.
Median rent goes from $1,954 a month in Washington to $1,413 a month in Madison, down $541 a month (28%).
Median household income goes from $109,870 in Washington to $78,050 in Madison, down $31,820 (29%).
The crime index goes from 223 in Washington to 91 in Madison, down 132 points (59%).
The move
Madison and Washington are 706 miles apart in a straight line.
Median rent goes from $1,413 a month in Madison to $1,954 a month in Washington, up $541 a month (38%).
Median household income goes from $78,050 in Madison to $109,870 in Washington, up $31,820 (41%).
The crime index goes from 91 in Madison to 223 in Washington, up 132 points (145%).
Washington, DC
School quality varies by neighborhood. Check GreatSchools.org for current ratings.
Madison, WI
School quality varies by neighborhood. Check GreatSchools.org for current ratings.
Comparing Washington and Madison? Check mortgage rates before you decide where to buy.
Rent
28% cheaper
Madison rent is 28% cheaper than Washington
Washington
$1,954/mo
Madison
Winner$1,413/mo
Typical rent runs $1,413 a month in Madison versus $1,954 in Washington, so Madison is 28% cheaper. That's roughly $541/month back in your pocket ($6,492/year). Over five years that's $32,460 you could redirect toward a down payment, travel, or investments. Housing is the bill you pay before groceries, childcare, or a social life, so that gap shows up in how often you eat out and how panicked a rent hike feels. If you already have a high-paying offer in Washington, the extra rent can be rational. If you do not, Madison is the easier city to land in without blowing up your budget.
Planning to buy in Madison? Check mortgage rates before you decide.
Median income
41% higher
Washington's median income is 41% higher than Madison
Washington
Winner$109,870
Madison
$78,050
Median household income is $109,870 in Washington versus $78,050 in Madison, so typical pay runs 41% higher in Washington (about $31,820 more household income a year). Higher median income usually signals a stronger local job market and better negotiating leverage on salary. Remote workers should weigh this against cost of living rather than treating it as a direct personal benefit. For people who will actually work in town, Washington is the stronger labor market on paper. Madison can still win if housing is cheap enough to offset the weaker median or if your specific role already pays well there.
Crime index
59% lower crime
Madison's crime index is 59% lower than Washington
Washington
223 (100 = avg)
Madison
Winner91 (100 = avg)
Madison's crime index is 91 versus 223 in Washington (100 = national average), so citywide crime runs 59% lower in Madison. That gap is meaningful day-to-day. It affects whether you feel comfortable walking at night, leaving your car on the street, or letting kids play outside unsupervised. Indexes still compress a lot of reality: a calmer city has blocks you would skip, and a higher-crime city has streets that feel neighborly at 10 p.m. On the everyday test of walking from the car to the door, Madison is the easier city. Washington can still work if you pick the right pocket. Just budget more diligence before you sign a lease.
Typical weather
13% more comfortable
Washington weather is 13% more comfortable than Madison
Washington
Winner55°F avg · 62°F highs · comfort 72/100
Madison
52°F avg · 62°F highs · comfort 64/100
Washington averages about 55°F (62°F highs); Madison averages about 52°F (62°F highs). Washington averages around 55°F, so jackets, heating bills, and shorter outdoor seasons are part of daily life. Madison averages around 52°F, so jackets, heating bills, and shorter outdoor seasons are part of daily life. Washington scores 13% closer to the 65-80°F comfort band on this page, so it is the easier default for year-round outdoor errands and evenings. Choose Madison if you already prefer its hotter or cooler pattern and have budgeted for the AC or heating that comes with it.
Fit check
Career-focused movers who want salary upside plus year-round outdoor access
It is also a match for career-focused movers who want salary upside and year-round outdoor access. Median household income runs 41% higher ($109,870), and typical weather is the more comfortable of the two (around 55°F). That pairing is for people who will work hard and then actually use the evenings.
Fit check
Families with young children and retirees who prioritize peace of mind over urban energy
Madison is the clearer landing pad if housing cost is what keeps you up at night. Typical rent is 28% cheaper here at about $1,413 a month. Choose Madison if you are stretching a salary, starting over, or want slack for travel and debt instead of a flashier skyline.
Madison is the better fit for families with young children and retirees who prioritize peace of mind over urban energy. The crime index is 59% lower than Washington (91 vs a 100 national average). That gap shows up in how freely you walk at night and how much attention you spend on the car and the deadbolt.
Bottom line
Neither city is a free pass on neighborhood choice, but Madison leads on safety (63/100 vs 36/100 in Washington). Typical rent is $1,413 in Madison and $1,954 in Washington; do not assume the cheaper lease buys the calmer blocks.
Washington still pays more locally ($109,870 median income vs $78,050), which can offset the lease if your field pays Washington rates.
Median income is $109,870 in Washington versus $78,050 in Madison.
Between Washington and Madison, Madison is ahead on safety — 63/100 safety versus 36/100. Lean Washington instead when you already know the Washington block you would live on and the safety gap is acceptable.
Common questions
Ready to move to Madison?
Next steps
Quotes and listings for Madison when you're ready to act.
Keep researching
Nearby research
Open full neighborhood reports for Washington and Madison, plus other cities in DC and WI.
