Madison sits between Lake Mendota and Lake Monona, giving the city a unique geography. Renters are drawn to Madison for its mix of strong job opportunities, extensive network of bike paths and Metro Transit bus routes, and easy access to outdoor recreation. The average rent sits below the national average, making Madison a compelling option for renters who want city amenities with a lower average rent.
Whether you’re looking for a walkable neighborhood near the Capitol or a quiet street along the lakefront, there are plenty of neighborhoods to discover in Madison. We’ve compiled a list of the best places to rent in Madison based on the following factors:
- Rental availability
- Average rent relative to other neighborhoods in the city
- Proximity to points of interest like work hubs, universities, downtown areas, shopping centers, or major parks
- Niche.com’s neighborhood report cards
The five best neighborhoods in Madison for renters are:
Downtown Madison
- Average 1-bedroom rent in Madison: $1,509/month
- Average 1-bedroom rent in Downtown Madison: $1,667/month
- Average 1-bedroom size in Downtown Madison: 653 sq. ft.
Why Downtown Madison is good for renters
Downtown Madison puts renters near the Wisconsin State Capitol, State Street’s stretch of locally owned businesses, the Overture Center for the Arts, and the Dane County Farmer’s Market. Metro Transit bus routes keep the neighborhood connected to the University of Wisconsin-Madison campus and allow for cross-city travel without a car. Apartment communities in this area tend to include newer high-rises and renovated mid-rises.
|
Exceptionally Walkable |
Strong Public Transit |
Somewhat Drivable |
Very Bikeable |
90Downtown Madison has a walkability score of 90 out of 100 |
80Downtown Madison has a transit score of 80 out of 100 |
30Downtown Madison has a drivability score of 30 out of 100 |
80Downtown Madison has a bikeability score of 80 out of 100 |
Keep in mind
Downtown Madison has some of the highest rents in the city, and weekend nights can bring significant traffic and noise, so consider your budget and preferred setting before moving to this neighborhood.
Tenney-Lapham
- Average 1-bedroom rent in Madison: $1,509/month
- Average 1-bedroom rent in Tenney-Lapham: $1,790/month
- Average 1-bedroom size in Tenney-Lapham: 704 sq. ft.
Why Tenney-Lapham is good for renters
Tenney-Lapham sits on the northern edge of the isthmus and is bordered by Lake Mendota and Tenney Park, offering kayaking, fishing, and skating in the winter. The neighborhood blends older Craftsman-style homes with apartment communities, giving the area a residential feel while still being close to downtown. Nearby Williamson Street adds walkable dining and grocery options.
|
Moderately Walkable |
Some Public Transit |
Exceptionally Drivable |
Very Bikeable |
60Tenney-Lapham has a walkability score of 60 out of 100 |
50Tenney-Lapham has a transit score of 50 out of 100 |
90Tenney-Lapham has a drivability score of 90 out of 100 |
80Tenney-Lapham has a bikeability score of 80 out of 100 |
Keep in mind
Tenney-Lapham has some of the highest rents in the city. Renters who want easy outdoor access and a quieter atmosphere may find the higher average rent worth it.
Marquette-Dane
- Average 1-bedroom rent in Madison: $1,509/month
- Average 1-bedroom rent in Marquette-Dane: $1,872/month
- Average 1-bedroom size in Marquette-Dane: 676 sq. ft.
Why Marquette-Dane is good for renters
Marquette-Dane is located 10 minutes from Downtown Madison and is centered around Williamson Street and Atwood Avenue. The neighborhood is home to Orton Park, coffee shops, locally owned restaurants, and the Capital City State Trail, which runs along the lake, offering a trail for runners and cyclists alike. A mix of older apartment buildings, converted houses, and newer developments give renters a range of housing options.
|
Fairly Walkable |
Some Public Transit |
Moderately Drivable |
Very Bikeable |
40Marquette-Dane has a walkability score of 40 out of 100 |
40Marquette-Dane has a transit score of 40 out of 100 |
70Marquette-Dane has a drivability score of 70 out of 100 |
80Marquette-Dane has a bikeability score of 80 out of 100 |
Keep in mind
Marquette-Dane is one of the pricier neighborhoods on this list, so renters looking to stay within a budget may want to consider surrounding, more affordable areas.
Greenbush
- Average 1-bedroom rent in Madison: $1,509/month
- Average 1-bedroom rent in Greenbush: $1,623/month
- Average 1-bedroom size in Greenbush: 677 sq. ft.
Why Greenbush is good for renters
Greenbush is one of Madison’s most historic neighborhoods, located near UW-Madison, Monroe Street, and the University of Wisconsin- Madison Arboretum. This neighborhood has a mix of long-term residents and renters drawn to its proximity to the university, hospitals, and the Camp Randall area. With one-bedroom rents only slightly above the citywide average, Greenbush offers solid value for its proximity to major employment centers and local attractions.
|
Moderately Walkable |
Some Public Transit |
Very Drivable |
Very Bikeable |
70Greenbush has a walkability score of 70 out of 100 |
50Greenbush has a transit score of 50 out of 100 |
80Greenbush has a drivability score of 80 out of 100 |
80Greenbush has a bikeability score of 80 out of 100 |
Keep in mind
Rents in Greenbush have risen by 5.8 percent year over year, so renters should factor in potential future rent growth when budgeting.
Bay Creek
- Average 1-bedroom rent in Madison: $1,509/month
- Average 1-bedroom rent in Bay Creek: $1,610/month
- Average 1-bedroom size in Bay Creek: 634 sq. ft.
Why Bay Creek is good for renters
Bay Creek is a quiet neighborhood located near Monona Bay, the Beltline Highway, and Dane County Regional Airport, making it a great neighborhood for frequent travelers. Capital City State Trail and Downtown Madison are also a short drive or bus ride away, helping renters stay connected without paying higher prices.
|
Moderately Walkable |
Limited Public Transit |
Exceptionally Drivable |
Very Bikeable |
70Bay Creek has a walkability score of 70 out of 100 |
30Bay Creek has a transit score of 30 out of 100 |
100Bay Creek has a drivability score of 100 out of 100 |
80Bay Creek has a bikeability score of 80 out of 100 |
Keep in mind
Residents in Bay Creek are more car-dependent than other areas in the city, so walkability for daily errands is more limited here.
Ready to Make the Move?
Whether you’re looking for an energetic neighborhood near Downtown Madison or quieter streets along the lakefront, there’s a neighborhood in Madison worth exploring. Apartments.com has advanced search filters to help you narrow down available apartments by price, amenities, and floor plan. Start your search on Apartments.com today and find the Madison apartment that fits your needs.
Methodology
Rent and cost of living data are sourced from the Apartments.com Rent Trends pages and Cost of Living Calculator. Walkability, transit, drivability, and bikeability ratings are sourced from the Apartments.com Area Guides, courtesy of Local Logic.
FAQs
Is Madison a good place to live?
Madison offers a strong job market with opportunities in the state government, the University of Wisconsin-Madison, UW Health, and Epic Systems. Easy access to extensive bike and transit networks, lakes and parks, and the local arts and food scene keep Madison popular among renters.
What is the cost of living like in Madison?
The cost of living in Madison is 3.8% higher than the national average. Housing costs are about 8% higher than the national average, while transportation and utility costs are below. Renters can expect to pay around $4,398/month to cover basic household expenses.
What is the average rent in Madison?
The average rent in Madison for a one-bedroom apartment is $1,509/month, falling approximately $156 below the national average rent.
What salary do you need to live in Madison?
According to our cost of living data, a comfortable salary for a single adult with no dependents to cover housing, utilities, groceries, and good and services in Madison would be around $69,000 before tax.
