Best Affordable Neighborhoods in Madison, WI
Some of the cheapest neighborhoods in Madison are Hawthorne, Sanford Holiday Bluff, and Sherman. These neighborhoods offer some of the lowest rent prices in Madison, making them ideal for renters on a budget. As of December 23, 2025, the average rent in Madison is $1,472, which is 1.4% 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
$1,125/Month
Year-Over-Year Rent Change
4.8%
TransitScore® Rating
39/100
Units Available
12 Rentals
When you’re looking for a great Madison neighborhood on a budget, check out Hawthorne. The average rent is $1,125, compared to the city average of $1,472. Rent prices have increased by 4.8%. Hawthorne is convenient to Dane County Regional/Truax Field, Sunnyside Shops, and Edgewood College. The community is somewhat walkable with a WalkScore® of 55.
Sanford Holiday Bluff
Average Rent
$1,167/Month
Units Available
10 Rentals
Sanford Holiday Bluff is an affordable neighborhood in Madison with an average rent price of $1,167. Compare this to the city average of $1,472. Sanford Holiday Bluff provides easy access to Essex Square, Edgewood College, and Dane County Regional/Truax Field.
Sherman
Average Rent
$1,214/Month
Year-Over-Year Rent Change
0.5%
TransitScore® Rating
40/100
Units Available
23 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
1.1%
TransitScore® Rating
34/100
Units Available
12 Rentals
If you’re looking for a great, affordable neighborhood in Madison, Brentwood Village might be the perfect place! It has an average rent price of $1,238, while the city’s average stands at $1,472. In the last year, prices have increased by 1.1%. Brentwood Village is near Herzing University, Northgate Shopping Center, and University of Wisconsin.
Bram's Addition
Average Rent
$1,239/Month
Year-Over-Year Rent Change
1.5%
TransitScore® Rating
42/100
Units Available
17 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.
Burr Oaks
Average Rent
$1,244/Month
Year-Over-Year Rent Change
4.2%
TransitScore® Rating
42/100
Units Available
19 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.
Ridgewood
Average Rent
$1,249/Month
Year-Over-Year Rent Change
2.8%
TransitScore® Rating
35/100
Units Available
12 Rentals
Ridgewood is a top choice for budget-conscious renters for a variety of reasons. The average rent in Ridgewood is $1,249 while the city average is $1,472. This is a 2.8% difference from last year. Residents enjoy convenient access to East Prairie Commons, Sandburg Woods, and Madison Area Technical College. The neighborhood is considered car-dependent with a WalkScore® of 31.
Homeland
Average Rent
$1,250/Month
Units Available
13 Rentals
When you’re looking for a great Madison neighborhood on a budget, check out Homeland. The average rent is $1,250, compared to the city average of $1,472. Homeland is convenient to Sherman Plaza, Cherokee Marsh - Mendota Unit, and Cherokee Marsh - South Unit.
Oakbridge
Average Rent
$1,259/Month
Units Available
17 Rentals
Oakbridge is an affordable neighborhood in Madison with an average rent price of $1,259. Compare this to the city average of $1,472. Oakbridge provides easy access to Owen Conservation Park, Oakbridge Retail Center, and North Country National Scenic Trail.
Highland Village
Average Rent
$1,260/Month
Units Available
12 Rentals
If you’re looking for a great, affordable neighborhood in Madison, Highland Village might be the perfect place! It has an average rent price of $1,260, while the city’s average stands at $1,472. Highland Village is near Herzing University, Madison Area Technical College, and Stricker's Pond.
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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.