Question 1

Is Madison, WI or Waukesha, WI cheaper to buy in?

Accepted Answer

Waukesha, WI is cheaper. The median home price in Madison, WI is approximately $461,600 and in Waukesha, WI it is approximately $256,800 — a difference of $204,800.

Question 2

Is Madison, WI or Waukesha, WI more walkable?

Accepted Answer

Madison, WI is more walkable. Madison, WI has a Walk Score of 74/100 and Waukesha, WI has a Walk Score of 5/100.

Question 3

Which has better schools, Madison, WI or Waukesha, WI?

Accepted Answer

Madison, WI has higher-rated schools. Madison, WI has a school rating of 7/10 and Waukesha, WI has a rating of 6.8/10.

Question 4

Should I live in Madison, WI or Waukesha, WI?

Accepted Answer

Both neighborhoods have distinct trade-offs — review the data above to find your best fit.

Category	Madison, WI	Waukesha, WI
Housing
Verdict	Think twice	Think twice
Median Price	$462K	$257K ✓ Lower price
Median Rent	$1K	$1K ✓ Lower rent
Median Income	$46K	$70K ✓ Higher income
Price Volatility	Moderate	Moderate
Getting Around
Walk Score	74/100 ✓ More walkable	5/100
Transit Score	52/100 ✓ Better transit	Minimal transit
Bike Score	80/100 ✓ More bikeable	18/100
Commute	15 min ✓ Shorter commute	35 min
Safety & Environment
Safety Grade	D+	D+
Violent Crime	Moderate	Moderate
Property Crime	Moderate	Moderate
Flood Risk	Low	Low
Air Quality	Good	Good
Community
Schools	7/10 ✓ Better schools	6.8/10
Best for	Urban professionalsStudents and young adultsCreative professionals	Families looking for solid schoolsRemote workers who can handle a car commuteMid‑income earners seeking affordability

Madison, WI vs Waukesha, WI

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