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.