Most Affordable Neighborhoods in Madison, WI

Some of the cheapest neighborhoods in Madison are Sherman, Burr Oaks, and Bram's Addition. These neighborhoods offer some of the lowest rent prices in Madison, making them ideal for renters on a budget. As of April 26, 2025, the average rent in Madison is $1,458, which is 2.3% higher than last year. However, it's important to remember that rental prices can vary significantly based on factors such as location, amenities, and floor plans.

Sherman

Average Rent

$1,198/Month

Year-Over-Year Rent Change

6%

TransitScore® Rating

40/100

Units Available

19 Rentals

Sherman in Madison, Wisconsin, offers numerous inexpensive apartment options, perfect for those seeking budget-friendly living. The neighborhood boasts several parks and recreational facilities ideal for outdoor activities, as well as shopping and dining options.

Burr Oaks

Average Rent

$1,211/Month

Year-Over-Year Rent Change

5.4%

TransitScore® Rating

42/100

Units Available

20 Rentals

Burr Oaks is a quiet neighborhood near Madison's best parks, restaurants, shopping, and attractions. The cozy area is separated enough from downtown that residents can enjoy a sense of peaceful seclusion without losing the conveniences of city life.

Bram's Addition

Average Rent

$1,264/Month

Year-Over-Year Rent Change

10%

TransitScore® Rating

42/100

Units Available

24 Rentals

Bram's Addition in Madison, Wisconsin, offers budget-friendly apartments with convenient access to local parks and public transportation. The neighborhood is on the south side of Madison and is known for its historic single-family homes and residential, walkable streets.

South Madison

Average Rent

$1,448/Month

Year-Over-Year Rent Change

2.8%

TransitScore® Rating

22/100

Units Available

212 Rentals

South Madison extends along Highway 18 and offers affordable living with convenient access to several parks, shops, and restaurants, especially near the popular Alliant Energy Center. The neighborhood provides a mix of city and suburban life, located less than a mile from Downtown Madison and close to outdoor activities like hiking the Capital City Trail and boating on nearby lakes.

Hill Farms-University

Average Rent

$1,456/Month

Year-Over-Year Rent Change

5.6%

TransitScore® Rating

43/100

Units Available

36 Rentals

Hill Farms-University offers affordable living with the convenience of nearby schools, parks, and shopping outlets, all within walking distance. Located just ten minutes from the Wisconsin State Capitol, this neighborhood provides easy access to the University of Wisconsin campus and scenic views of Lake Mendota.

Regent

Average Rent

$1,472/Month

Year-Over-Year Rent Change

0.7%

TransitScore® Rating

50/100

Units Available

81 Rentals

The Regent neighborhood is right next to the University of Wisconsin-Madison, giving it a youthful atmosphere. The neighborhood features museums, sporting events, and numerous parks and natural areas. Residents also enjoy the proximity to University Station Shopping Mall.

Eken Park

Average Rent

$1,483/Month

Year-Over-Year Rent Change

2.6%

TransitScore® Rating

44/100

Units Available

31 Rentals

Eken Park in Madison, Wisconsin, stands out for its affordable apartment options, catering to cost-conscious renters. Public transportation is readily accessible, making commuting straightforward. Proximity to parks and shopping centers further enhances convenience and livability.

Vilas

Average Rent

$1,577/Month

Year-Over-Year Rent Change

0.5%

TransitScore® Rating

51/100

Units Available

17 Rentals

Vilas is a top choice for budget-conscious renters for a variety of reasons. The average rent in Vilas is $1,577 while the city average is $1,458. This is a 0.5% difference from last year. Residents enjoy convenient access to Edgewood College, Knickerbocker Place, and University of Wisconsin. The neighborhood is considered walkable with a WalkScore® of 90.

Orchard Ridge

Average Rent

$1,607/Month

Year-Over-Year Rent Change

9.8%

TransitScore® Rating

32/100

Units Available

20 Rentals

When you’re looking for a great Madison neighborhood on a budget, check out Orchard Ridge. The average rent is $1,607, compared to the city average of $1,458. Rent prices have increased by 9.8%. Orchard Ridge is convenient to Madison Area Technical College, Elver Park, and Nakoma Plaza. The community is somewhat walkable with a WalkScore® of 58.

Midvale Heights

Average Rent

$1,612/Month

Year-Over-Year Rent Change

2.3%

TransitScore® Rating

49/100

Units Available

43 Rentals

Midvale Heights is just four miles southwest of Downtown Madison. This neighborhood is close to Madison's most prominent attractions, including the Henry Vilas Zoo, the University of Wisconsin-Madison, and the Odana Hills Golf Course.

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Methodology

Transit Score measures access to public transit. Scores range from 0 (minimal transit) to 100 (rider’s paradise). Learn more about the Transit Score methodology. Rental data is sourced from CoStar Group’s Market Trend reports. As a leading authority in commercial real estate information, analytics, and news, CoStar performs in-depth research to build and sustain an extensive database of commercial real estate insights.

We've combined this data with public records to provide the most current rental information available.