55
Overall Score /100
Wins 1 of 7 categories
67
Overall Score /100
Wins 3 of 7 categories
Madison wins 3–1
based on 7 categories of official U.S. government data
Madison wins 1–3 overall (67/100)
💰 Madison is more affordable
💼 Madison has lower unemployment
🛡️ Madison has fewer disasters
📋 New York vs Madison — The Verdict
Madison scores 67.2/100 compared to New York's 55.2/100, winning 3 out of 7 data categories. On affordability, Madison has a clear edge with home prices 55% lower. Madison has a significantly tighter job market with unemployment at 3.1%. Madison may be the better fit for budget-conscious movers and job seekers.
💡 Key Differences
🏠
Home prices in Madison are 55% lower — a difference of $405,500 in median home value.
💰
Renting in Madison saves you $423/month — that's $5,076 per year.
📊
Madison has a 1.5 percentage point lower unemployment rate, suggesting a stronger job market.
Median Home Value
$732,100
$326,600
Median Rent /mo
$1,714
$1,291
Median Income
$76,607
$74,895
The affordability gap is significant — Madison offers home prices 55% lower than New York, translating to $405,500 in savings on a median-priced home. This difference alone could determine which city makes financial sense for your situation.
Unemployment Rate
4.6%
3.1%
Both cities offer competitive employment, with Madison having a slight edge at 3.1% unemployment. Industry fit may matter more than the overall rate.
Air Quality (AQI)
0
65 Moderate
Toxic Facilities (TRI)
0
0
Environmental conditions are broadly similar between the two cities based on current EPA monitoring data.
Max Internet Speed
N/A Mbps
N/A Mbps
Fiber Available
❌ No
❌ No
Solar Potential (kWh/m²/day)
Internet and utility infrastructure data helps assess remote work viability and monthly overhead costs in each city.
Natural disaster exposure is comparable between both cities based on FEMA declaration data.
❓ Moving from New York to Madison: Common Questions
Is New York or Madison cheaper to live in?
Madison is more affordable overall. Home prices are $405,500 lower in Madison. Monthly rent is $1,291 in Madison vs $1,714 in New York.
Does New York or Madison have better weather?
Madison scores higher on climate (50/100 vs 50/100).
Is New York or Madison better for finding a job?
Madison currently has a stronger job market. Unemployment is 4.6% in New York vs 3.1% in Madison. Median household income is $76,607 in New York and $74,895 in Madison.
Which city is safer — New York or Madison?
In terms of natural disaster risk, Madison is safer. New York has had 9 federal disaster declarations in 20 years vs 7 in Madison. New York scores 95/100 on safety vs 95/100 for Madison.
Should I move from New York to Madison?
Based on our data, Madison scores 67.2/100 vs New York's 55.2/100 overall. The best choice depends on your priorities — Madison is more affordable, while Madison has a better climate.
Planning to move from New York to Madison?
Compare quotes from top-rated moving companies and save up to 40%
Get Free Moving Quotes →
📊 Data: U.S. Census Bureau (ACS), Bureau of Labor Statistics (OEWS), NOAA Climate Normals,
EPA AirNow & TRI, NREL PVWatts, FEMA Disaster Declarations, FCC Broadband Data.
Last updated: April 5, 2026.