Madison, Wisconsin
In Madison, Wisconsin, a gallon of regular gas costs $3.67 as of 2026-03-23 — $0.22 above the national average of $3.45. The average monthly rent for all unit types is $1,224.08, compared to the national average of $1,900. Grocery inflation is running at 2.25% year-over-year. Since 2022, bread prices have increased significantly while egg prices have been volatile due to avian flu outbreaks. Madison's cost-of-living index of 100 puts it below the national average of 100.
Key Numbers
Gas (Regular)
$3.67
National: $3.45
Avg Rent (All)
$1,224.08
National: $1,900
Grocery Inflation
2.25%
Year-over-year
Fast Food Avg
$12.88
Combo meal
Grocery Prices
Grocery Item Prices — 2022 to Present
| Item | 2022 | 2023 | 2024 | 2025 | 2026 | Change |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Eggs (dozen)Bird flu volatility | $1.87 | $2.23 | $2.83 | $4.23 | $2.28 | +21.9% |
| Milk (gallon) | $3.40 | $3.60 | $3.60 | $3.78 | $3.86 | +13.5% |
| Ground Beef (lb) | $3.99 | $5.00 | $5.30 | $5.51 | $5.73 | +43.6% |
| Bread (loaf) | $2.22 | $2.97 | $3.24 | $3.43 | $3.50 | +57.7% |
| Chicken Breast (lb) | $3.66 | $3.96 | $4.12 | $4.16 | $4.20 | +14.8% |
| Butter (lb) | $4.24 | $4.75 | $5.04 | $5.24 | $5.45 | +28.5% |
| Bacon (lb) | $6.37 | $6.95 | $7.22 | $7.66 | $7.89 | +23.9% |
| Cheddar Cheese (lb) | $5.63 | $6.13 | $6.50 | $6.63 | $6.83 | +21.3% |
| Pasta (lb) | $1.54 | $1.88 | $1.97 | $2.01 | $2.03 | +31.8% |
| Rice (5 lb) | $4.07 | $4.59 | $4.82 | $5.01 | $5.21 | +28.0% |
| Coffee (12 oz) | $8.50 | $10.20 | $10.91 | $11.68 | $12.03 | +41.5% |
| Orange Juice (64 oz)Citrus shortage | $3.69 | $4.31 | $4.79 | $5.03 | $5.28 | +43.1% |
| Potatoes (5 lb) | $4.08 | $4.28 | $4.45 | $4.58 | $4.62 | +13.2% |
| Apples (3 lb) | $4.54 | $4.67 | $4.95 | $5.15 | $5.20 | +14.5% |
| Tomatoes (lb) | $2.16 | $2.40 | $2.54 | $2.72 | $2.77 | +28.2% |
| Lettuce (head) | $1.87 | $2.10 | $2.25 | $2.34 | $2.43 | +29.9% |
| Cooking Oil (48 oz) | $5.45 | $6.74 | $7.21 | $7.35 | $7.42 | +36.1% |
| Yogurt (32 oz) | $4.12 | $4.49 | $4.71 | $4.95 | $4.95 | +20.1% |
| Cereal (family size) | $4.70 | $5.40 | $5.78 | $5.95 | $6.19 | +31.7% |
| Frozen Pizza | $5.95 | $7.21 | $7.79 | $8.26 | $8.51 | +43.0% |
Dining & Restaurants
Fast Food Meal
$12.88
Casual Dining
$21.85
Monthly Spend
$358.54
+4.6% YoYChain Restaurant Meal Prices — 2022 vs. Today
Combo meal / typical order for one
McDonald's
2022: $7.99
$12.88
+61.2%Wendy's
2022: $9.02
$13.91
+54.2%Chipotle
2022: $9.66
$14.43
+49.4%Starbucks
2022: $4.19
$5.82
+38.9%Eating out more? Save on groceries with Ibotta and cook at home more often.
Looking for an Apartment in Madison?
Average 1BR: $1,144/mo · 2BR: $1,475.64/mo
Newsletter
Get the Monthly Price Report
We track gas, groceries, and rent so you know what's coming before it hits your wallet. One email, once a month, no spam.
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime. Data updated monthly from FRED, Zillow, AAA.
How does Madison compare to other Wisconsin cities?
Compare Cities Side by Side →