Alabama · Population 58,335 · Updated March 2026
How far your income goes in Madison
State-level tax rates that affect your costs
Madison is more expensive than the national average. Higher housing costs are typically the primary driver. With a cost index of 106 (where 100 equals the national median), Madison residents can expect to pay median rent of $1,375/month while earning a median household income of $131,436/year.
The median home value in Madison, AL is $367,900, with typical monthly owner costs around $1,500 including mortgage, insurance, and taxes. The median rent-to-income ratio of 12.6% means housing is relatively affordable here — well below the 30% threshold that HUD considers cost-burdened.
Alabama has a moderate income tax rate of 5.0%. Combined with a 4.0% sales tax rate and 0.41% effective property tax rate, the overall tax environment is a factor in the total cost of living in Madison.
Common questions about living costs in Madison