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

Hawthorne is an affordable neighborhood in Madison with an average rent price of $1,125. Compare this to the city average of $1,472. In the past year, rent prices have increased by 4.8%. Hawthorne provides easy access to The Avenue Shops, Madison Area Technical College, and Elvehjem Sanctuary. It’s a somewhat walkable neighborhood with a WalkScore® of 55.

Sanford Holiday Bluff

Average Rent

$1,167/Month

Units Available

10 Rentals

If you’re looking for a great, affordable neighborhood in Madison, Sanford Holiday Bluff might be the perfect place! It has an average rent price of $1,167, while the city’s average stands at $1,472. Sanford Holiday Bluff is near East Washington Plaza, Madison Area Technical College, and Cherokee Marsh - South Unit.

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

Brentwood Village is a top choice for budget-conscious renters for a variety of reasons. The average rent in Brentwood Village is $1,238 while the city average is $1,472. This is a 1.1% difference from last year. Residents enjoy convenient access to Cherokee Marsh - South Unit, Dane County Regional/Truax Field, and Lakewood Plaza. The neighborhood is considered somewhat walkable with a WalkScore® of 62.

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

When you’re looking for a great Madison neighborhood on a budget, check out Ridgewood. The average rent is $1,249, compared to the city average of $1,472. Rent prices have increased by 2.8%. Ridgewood is convenient to Elvehjem Sanctuary, Sandburg Woods, and Edgewood College. The community is car-dependent with a WalkScore® of 31.

Homeland

Average Rent

$1,250/Month

Units Available

13 Rentals

Homeland is an affordable neighborhood in Madison with an average rent price of $1,250. Compare this to the city average of $1,472. Homeland provides easy access to Sherman Plaza, Packers Avenue Strip Center, and Madison Area Technical College.

Oakbridge

Average Rent

$1,259/Month

Units Available

17 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 $1,259, while the city’s average stands at $1,472. Oakbridge is near Prairie Ridge Conservation Park, Madison Area Technical College, and Cambridge Court Center.

Highland Village

Average Rent

$1,260/Month

Units Available

12 Rentals

Highland Village is a top choice for budget-conscious renters for a variety of reasons. The average rent in Highland Village is $1,260 while the city average is $1,472. Residents enjoy convenient access to Westland Plaza, Prairie Ridge Conservation Park, and Edgewood College.

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.