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
If you’re looking for a great, affordable neighborhood in Madison, Hawthorne might be the perfect place! It has an average rent price of $1,150, while the city’s average stands at $1,486. In the last year, prices have increased by 4%. Hawthorne is near The Avenue Shops, Sunnyside Shops, and Madison Children's Museum.
Homeland
Average Rent
$1,225/Month
Units Available
17 Rentals
Homeland is a top choice for budget-conscious renters for a variety of reasons. The average rent in Homeland is $1,225 while the city average is $1,486. Residents enjoy convenient access to Packers Avenue Strip Center, Northgate Shopping Center, and Cherokee Marsh - North Unit.
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
When you’re looking for a great Madison neighborhood on a budget, check out Brentwood Village. The average rent is $1,238, compared to the city average of $1,486. Rent prices have increased by 0.9%. Brentwood Village is convenient to Cherokee Marsh - North Unit, Dane County Regional/Truax Field, and Sandburg Woods. The community is somewhat walkable 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
22 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
19 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
$1,275/Month
TransitScore® Rating
31/100
Units Available
21 Rentals
Indian Springs is an affordable neighborhood in Madison with an average rent price of $1,275. Compare this to the city average of $1,486. Indian Springs provides easy access to Turville Point Park, South Towne Mall, and Wingra Creek Plaza. It’s a car-dependent neighborhood with a WalkScore® of 28.
Oakbridge
Average Rent
$1,306/Month
Units Available
18 Rentals
If you’re looking for a great, affordable neighborhood in Madison, Oakbridge might be the perfect place! It has an average rent price of $1,306, while the city’s average stands at $1,486. Oakbridge is near Herzing University, Dane County Regional/Truax Field, and Edgewood University.
Rimrock Heights
Average Rent
$1,310/Month
TransitScore® Rating
33/100
Units Available
19 Rentals
Rimrock Heights is a top choice for budget-conscious renters for a variety of reasons. The average rent in Rimrock Heights is $1,310 while the city average is $1,486. Residents enjoy convenient access to Herzing University, Edgewood University, and Henry Vilas Zoo. The neighborhood is considered 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
When you’re looking for a great Madison neighborhood on a budget, check out Meadowood. The average rent is $1,312, compared to the city average of $1,486. Rent prices have increased by 1.3%. Meadowood is convenient to Meadowood Plaza, Edgewood University, and University of Wisconsin. The community is car-dependent with a WalkScore® of 38.
Ready to make your move to Madison? Check out the rent specials, price drops, and great deals on ApartmentFinder.com!
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.