Best Affordable Neighborhoods in Madison, WI
Some of the cheapest neighborhoods in Madison are Hawthorne, Bowman Heights, and Burr Oaks. These neighborhoods offer some of the lowest rent prices in Madison, making them ideal for renters on a budget. As of November 7, 2025, the average rent in Madison is $1,464, 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
$1,106/Month
TransitScore® Rating
39/100
Units Available
13 Rentals
Hawthorne is a top choice for budget-conscious renters for a variety of reasons. The average rent in Hawthorne is $1,106 while the city average is $1,464. This is a 0% difference from last year. Residents enjoy convenient access to Olbrich Botanical Gardens, Dane County Regional/Truax Field, and Madison Area Technical College. The neighborhood is considered somewhat walkable with a WalkScore® of 55.
Bowman Heights
Average Rent
$1,161/Month
TransitScore® Rating
32/100
Units Available
12 Rentals
When you’re looking for a great Madison neighborhood on a budget, check out Bowman Heights. The average rent is $1,161, compared to the city average of $1,464. Bowman Heights is convenient to Herzing University, Dane County Regional/Truax Field, and Henry Vilas Zoo. The community is somewhat walkable with a WalkScore® of 51.
Burr Oaks
Average Rent
$1,191/Month
Year-Over-Year Rent Change
8.7%
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.
Sherman
Average Rent
$1,212/Month
Year-Over-Year Rent Change
0.2%
TransitScore® Rating
40/100
Units Available
16 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.
Berkeley Oaks
Average Rent
$1,228/Month
Year-Over-Year Rent Change
1.2%
TransitScore® Rating
31/100
Units Available
10 Rentals
Berkeley Oaks is a scenic neighborhood next to Warner Park and Lake Mendota. With dog parks, beaches, and boat ramps, this neighborhood is perfect for residents who want to be near the waterfront. Additionally, a 15-minute drive into Downtown Madison provides nearby entertainment and dining.
Oakbridge
Average Rent
$1,233/Month
Units Available
16 Rentals
Oakbridge is an affordable neighborhood in Madison with an average rent price of $1,233. Compare this to the city average of $1,464. Oakbridge provides easy access to Madison Area Technical College, Stricker's Pond, and Elver Park.
Bram's Addition
Average Rent
$1,243/Month
Year-Over-Year Rent Change
7.9%
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.
Ridgewood
Average Rent
$1,285/Month
Year-Over-Year Rent Change
3.6%
TransitScore® Rating
35/100
Units Available
18 Rentals
If you’re looking for a great, affordable neighborhood in Madison, Ridgewood might be the perfect place! It has an average rent price of $1,285, while the city’s average stands at $1,464. In the last year, prices have increased by 3.6%. Ridgewood is near East Town Plaza, Princeton Club Court, and Dane County Regional/Truax Field.
Sherman Terrace
Average Rent
$1,309/Month
Year-Over-Year Rent Change
4.6%
TransitScore® Rating
44/100
Units Available
18 Rentals
Sherman Terrace is a top choice for budget-conscious renters for a variety of reasons. The average rent in Sherman Terrace is $1,309 while the city average is $1,464. This is a 4.6% difference from last year. Residents enjoy convenient access to Olbrich Botanical Gardens, Fordem Ave Center, and Third Lake Market. The neighborhood is considered somewhat walkable with a WalkScore® of 59.
Indian Springs
Average Rent
$1,325/Month
TransitScore® Rating
31/100
Units Available
17 Rentals
When you’re looking for a great Madison neighborhood on a budget, check out Indian Springs. The average rent is $1,325, compared to the city average of $1,464. Indian Springs is convenient to South Towne Mall, Edgewood College, and The Village on Park. The community is car-dependent with a WalkScore® of 28.
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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.