Can A Carpenter Afford Rent in Madison, WI?
Stretched but workable — rent takes 38.1% of gross income.
Madison rent: September 2026. Salary: BLS OEWS May 2024 (Wisconsin state estimate).
About rent and a carpenter salary
Carpenter pay sits modestly above the US median household income and covers comfortable rent in most lower- and mid-cost metros. Union carpenters in high-cost cities often earn well above the BLS mean. At the national-average carpenter salary, the 30% rule supports about $1,524 a month in rent.
Cheaper rent nearby
These Wisconsin cities have lower median rent than Madison, which improves the affordability math on a carpenter salary:
Compare with full rent data for Madison
View full rent data for Madison, WI →Frequently asked questions
Can a carpenter afford rent in Madison, WI?
Median rent in Madison is $1,837 a month. A typical carpenter in Wisconsin earns about $57,893 a year, which makes that rent 38.1% of gross monthly income. Under the 30% rule, the answer is no — rent exceeds the 30% threshold.
How much rent can a carpenter afford in Madison?
Using the 30% rule, a carpenter salary in Wisconsin (~$57,893/yr) supports up to $1,447 a month in rent. Madison's current median rent is $1,837/mo, which is $390/mo over the affordability threshold.
How many hours does a carpenter work to cover rent in Madison?
At an hourly equivalent of about $28 an hour, a carpenter in Wisconsin works roughly 66 hours a month to cover Madison's median rent of $1,837.
Where is rent cheaper than Madison for a carpenter?
Nearby Wisconsin cities with lower median rent include Oconomowoc ($1,834/mo), Oconomowoc ($1,831/mo), Monona ($1,825/mo). Each shifts the affordability math materially on a carpenter salary.