Best Affordable Neighborhoods in Madison, WI
Some of the cheapest neighborhoods in Madison are Hawthorne, Homeland, and Sherman. These neighborhoods offer some of the lowest rent prices in Madison, making them ideal for renters on a budget. As of February 7, 2026, the average rent in Madison is $1,486, which is 1.1% 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.
Hawthorne
Average Rent
$1,150/Month
Year-Over-Year Rent Change
4%
TransitScore® Rating
39/100
Units Available
14 Rentals
Hawthorne is a top choice for budget-conscious renters for a variety of reasons. The average rent in Hawthorne is $1,150 while the city average is $1,486. This is a 4% difference from last year. Residents enjoy convenient access to Dane County Regional/Truax Field, Edgewood University, and Sandburg Woods. The neighborhood is considered somewhat walkable with a WalkScore® of 55.
Homeland
Average Rent
$1,225/Month
Units Available
17 Rentals
When you’re looking for a great Madison neighborhood on a budget, check out Homeland. The average rent is $1,225, compared to the city average of $1,486. Homeland is convenient to Packers Avenue Strip Center, Cherokee Marsh - North Unit, and Sherman Plaza.
Sherman
Average Rent
$1,226/Month
Year-Over-Year Rent Change
1.6%
TransitScore® Rating
40/100
Units Available
33 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.
Brentwood Village
Average Rent
$1,238/Month
Year-Over-Year Rent Change
0.9%
TransitScore® Rating
34/100
Units Available
12 Rentals
Brentwood Village is an affordable neighborhood in Madison with an average rent price of $1,238. Compare this to the city average of $1,486. In the past year, rent prices have increased by 0.9%. Brentwood Village provides easy access to Herzing University, Lakewood Plaza, and Sherman Plaza. It’s a somewhat walkable neighborhood with a WalkScore® of 62.
Burr Oaks
Average Rent
$1,241/Month
Year-Over-Year Rent Change
0.2%
TransitScore® Rating
42/100
Units Available
23 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
$1,248/Month
Year-Over-Year Rent Change
7.5%
TransitScore® Rating
42/100
Units Available
20 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.
Indian Springs
Average Rent
$1,288/Month
TransitScore® Rating
31/100
Units Available
21 Rentals
If you’re looking for a great, affordable neighborhood in Madison, Indian Springs might be the perfect place! It has an average rent price of $1,288, while the city’s average stands at $1,486. Indian Springs is near Dane County Regional/Truax Field, Turville Point Park, and Paunack Park.
Oakbridge
Average Rent
$1,306/Month
Units Available
18 Rentals
Oakbridge is a top choice for budget-conscious renters for a variety of reasons. The average rent in Oakbridge is $1,306 while the city average is $1,486. Residents enjoy convenient access to Madison Area Technical College, Oakbridge Retail Center, and Dane County Regional/Truax Field.
Rimrock Heights
Average Rent
$1,310/Month
TransitScore® Rating
33/100
Units Available
19 Rentals
When you’re looking for a great Madison neighborhood on a budget, check out Rimrock Heights. The average rent is $1,310, compared to the city average of $1,486. Rimrock Heights is convenient to Edgewood University, Capital Springs State Recreation Area, and Dane County Regional/Truax Field. The community is somewhat walkable with a WalkScore® of 52.
Meadowood
Average Rent
$1,312/Month
Year-Over-Year Rent Change
1.3%
TransitScore® Rating
33/100
Units Available
10 Rentals
Meadowood is an affordable neighborhood in Madison with an average rent price of $1,312. Compare this to the city average of $1,486. In the past year, rent prices have increased by 1.3%. Meadowood provides easy access to University of Wisconsin, Madison Area Technical College, and Heritage Square. It’s a car-dependent neighborhood with a WalkScore® of 38.
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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.