Apartments for Rent in Madison, WI - Rated by Verified Residents

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Average rent in Madison, WI

$1,725/mo Madison, WI average rental price, November 2024

The average monthly rent of apartments in Madison, WI is $1,725.

Madison, WI apartment rent ranges

About 31% of apartment rents in Madison, WI range between $1,501-$2,000. Meanwhile, apartments priced over > $2,000 represent 20% of apartments. Around 44% of Madison’s apartments are in the $1,001-$1,500 price range. 4% of apartments are priced between $701-$1,000.

Madison, WI rent trends

Check out the average rent prices in Madison by neighborhood.

Compared to the national average rent of $1,748, the average rent in Madison, WI is $1,725.

Getting around in Madison, WI

74 /100

Very Walkable

44 /100

Some Transit

85 /100

Very Bikeable

Walk Score®: 74, Transit Score®: 44, Bike Score®: 85

Frequently asked questions

When were prices and availability in Madison, WI last updated?

Prices and availability in Madison, WI were last updated on 16 Feb 2025.

What are the best apartments in Madison, WI?

The best apartments in Madison, WI are: Preserve West, Two Points Crossing, Petra Apartments, The Ideal and 2033 Adderbury Lane.

What is the average rent in Madison, WI?

The average rent in Madison, WI is $1,725.

What is the price range for a studio apartment in Madison, WI?

The price range for a studio apartment in Madison, WI is between $525 and $3,995.

What is the price range for a 1-bedroom apartment in Madison, WI?

The price range for a 1-bedroom apartment in Madison, WI is between $525 and $4,501.

What is the price range for a 2-bedroom apartment in Madison, WI?

The price range for a 2-bedroom apartment in Madison, WI is between $747 and $3,631.

What is the price range for a 3-bedroom apartment in Madison, WI?

The price range for a 3-bedroom apartment in Madison, WI is between $700 and $4,501.

What type of rental buildings are in Madison, WI?

In Madison, 53% of the residents are renting compared to 47% owning a home, according to data from the U.S. Census Bureau. Large-scale apartment buildings with more than 50 units represent 24% of Madison’s rentals, 68% are small-scale complexes with under 50 units, and 8% are single-family rentals.

What do typical apartment communities look like in Madison, WI?

The average age of rental buildings in Madison is 31 years old, with 43% being newer apartment buildings completed since 2000. The average height of apartment buildings in the city is 5 stories, of which 83% are garden-style apartment communities, 20% are mid-sized buildings, and 13% are high-rises. These characteristics describe large-scale apartment communities of 50 apartments or more.

What apartment floorplans are common in Madison, WI?

Studio apartments in Madison are around 8% of rentals, while 1-bedroom floor plans represent 45% of the total stock. For those in search of larger rentals, 2-bedroom floorplans make up 39% of all rentals. More generous apartments with 3 bedrooms or more are also available in this city for those in search of more space.

Madison, WI in the news

Chicagoland Matches Miami for Hottest Rental Market, Fueled by Rise of the Midwest

Madison’s unemployment rate is exceptionally low at 2.7% (which is half the national average), spurred by jobs in government and education.

Chicago, Silicon Valley Challenge Miami as Hottest Rental Markets

Madison, WI, ranks as the second-most competitive small rental market and stands out as a central part of the Midwest's Silicon Prairie.

America's Hottest Rental Markets at the Start of 2024: Miami Holds Leading Spot

Madison, WI, stands out as another top contender for renters in the Midwest after securing the sixth position among small rental markets. Despite local developers ramping up efforts to launch new apartments across the metro (contributing to 1% of the housing stock), Madison falls short of quenching the thirst for rentals.

October Rental Activity Report: Queens Takes Top Spot, Midwest Is Most Popular Region

Madison, WI, completes the list of Midwestern debuts at #22. Here, the number of favorited Madison apartments nearly quadrupled as available listings decreased by 26% due to increased rental demand for this location.

Miami Is Nation’s Hottest Renting Spot as Florida Shines Again This Rental Season

The 1.02% increase in new apartments in Madison, WI, is not enough to accommodate the growing demand. With less than 4% of apartments available for rent and 60.5% of renters renewing their leases, vacant apartments in Madison become occupied within 26 days.

Living in Madison, WI

Madison, the capital of Wisconsin, is a small city that resides between two lakes - Lake Mendota and Lake Monona. Home to award-winning restaurants, art galleries, and year-round festivals, it attracts renters looking to be close to metropolitan areas and big-city amenities, but without the high rent prices. Boasting a strong educational system, Madison is also an excellent city for renters with children and student renters looking to further their education at the University of Wisconsin-Madison. With a strong focus on being an eco-conscious community, Madison renters can also enjoy well-maintained parks, green spaces and watersport activities at the lakes. Madison renters experience a humid, continental climate with warm summers and freezing winters. Temperatures vary between 13°F to 82°F, with plenty of rain and snow year-round, as well as occasional thunderstorms and snowstorms.

This vibrant city seamlessly combines urban living with the beauty of nature. Residents can explore the extensive biking and hiking trails that meander through the city and around the lakes. The community is also known for its thriving local economy, and active arts scene. The streets buzz with activity from live music venues, coffee shops brimming with local charm, and farmers' markets offering fresh, organic produce. Madison's economy is diverse, with sectors ranging from healthcare to technology playing significant roles. Job seekers will find a welcoming job market, and entrepreneurs will discover a supportive environment for startups.

Renting in Madison, WI

Most rentals in Madison are one- or two-bedroom apartments occupied by university students. Specifically, downtown Madison and the university campus area are the most popular places to rent in Madison due to their proximity to restaurants, bars, cultural events and the college scene. Likewise, historic rental homes in the Vilas and Marquette trendy neighborhoods are close to bars, coffee shops, restaurants and local shops. Or, to avoid the college crowd, Wexford, Dudgeon Monroe, Maple-Prairie, and Westmorland are popular family-friendly neighborhoods close to reputable schools, kid-friendly activities and everyday amenities. Plus, most rentals in Madison include basic installations, with some featuring amenities like fitness centers, laundry facilities and parking in the building. Notably, landlords and renters should mutually agree in writing on the amount of the security deposit, payment of the utilities and the responsibility for doing repairs to the rental unit.

Shopping in Madison, WI

Madison has a versatile shopping scene with everything from local shops to large shopping malls. East Towne Mall, West Towne Mall, and Hilldale Shopping Center are the main shopping destinations and feature retailers like Von Maur, American Eagle, Hot Topic, Victoria's Secret, Anthropologie, Levi's, Lululemon and many more. Similarly, Monroe Street and State Street are also famous pedestrian-friendly streets where renters can find a selection of shops, boutiques, restaurants, cafes and entertainment venues. Additionally, Madison Public Market is also a known shopping stop for renters looking to experience the city through food stalls, artisanal crafts and specialty items. Otherwise, grocery chains in Madison include Woodman's Market, Trader Joe's, Hy-Vee Grocery Store, and Whole Foods Market, while department chains include names like Macy's, Marshalls, T.J.Maxx, JCPenney, Target and Kohl's. And, Dane County Farmers' Market is a big farmers' market open year-round for renters looking to shop for fresh produce and food.

Transportation in Madison, WI

As one of the most bike-friendly cities in the U.S., Madison renters have a developed cycling infrastructure and bike network that they can use to commute throughout the city. In the same way, the pedestrian-friendly streets with well-maintained sidewalks make the city ideal for walking, as well. Or, for those who rely on a vehicle, a network of roads - like Interstate 90; U.S. highways 14, 18, 51 and 151; and state routes 30 and 131 - provides access to surrounding areas. Or, Madison's public transit system, Metro Transit, operates a network of buses between popular destinations like the University of Wisconsin-Madison campus, downtown and shopping centers. Of course, ride-sharing services, like Uber and Lyft, are also available as an on-demand options for getting around. Additionally, several bike-sharing, scooter-sharing and commuter programs enable renters to use alternative transportation options. Finally, to fly to domestic destinations, Dane County Regional Airport is six miles away, while renters who need international flights are 87 miles from General Mitchell International Airport.

Look for apartments near me

Are you looking to land that one apartment near you that ticks all the boxes? Now you can browse through available RentCafe apartment listings in your area, rated and reviewed by verified residents. Comparing the size, price, amenities and location of apartments for rent near you is easier than ever. Do you feel like expanding the search beyond your neighborhood and ZIP code? Browse apartments for rent in your city and state to find the best fit, wherever you are in the U.S. Somewhere out there is the perfect apartment just waiting for you.

Whether you're looking for a studio, an apartment with one or more bedrooms, or maybe you're upgrading to a luxury apartment or need to acommodate a pet, RentCafe allows you to easily search for a rental near you based on your criteria, anywhere in the U.S. So, let's find your new home today!

RentCafe is your one-stop shop for finding a great new apartment in Madison, WI. Easily search through a wide selection of apartments for rent in Madison, WI, and view detailed information about available rentals including floor plans, pricing, photos, amenities, interactive maps, and thorough property descriptions. Property owners and managers are one click away, so feel free to contact them and find out all you need to know about the apartment you’re interested in. Browse Madison, WI apartments with rents starting from $1,000 and submit your rental application today!

Finding a home nearby is easier than you think. Check out our Apartments Near Me page and take your pick!

2 BEDS	$1,415+
3 BEDS	$1,775+

STUDIO	$1,395
1 BED	$1,550
2+ BEDS	$1,950

2 BEDS	$1,190+
3 BEDS	$1,585

STUDIO	$1,530
1 BED	$1,735
2 BEDS	$2,385

STUDIO	Ask for Pricing
1 BED	$1,375
2 BEDS	Ask for Pricing

1 BED	$2,095+
2 BEDS	$3,250+
3+ BEDS	$3,750+

1 BED	$1,364+
2 BEDS	$2,048+

STUDIO	$1,245
1 BED	$1,470
2+ BEDS	$1,695

Apartments for Rent in Madison, WI 629 Rentals Available

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