Madison, United States 🇺🇸
#1373
43.074761, -89.383761
Nomad Score:
68%
Essentials
| 🏙️ City | Madison is the capital city of Wisconsin, located at the southwest shore of Lake Mendota. |
| 👥 Population | Approximately 269,000 residents. |
| 💻 Internet Speed | Average speed is around 100 Mbps. |
| 💸 Currency & Banking | USD is the currency used (1 EUR ≈ 1.08 USD). |
| 🚰 Tap Water | Safe to drink and known for its high quality. |
| 🔌 Power | 120V, 60Hz, NEMA Type A/B sockets. |
| 📶 SIM Card | Major providers include AT&T, Verizon, and T-Mobile. |
| 💳 Banking for Expats | Regions Bank, Chase, and Credit Unions are commonly accepted. |
| 🛌 Accommodation | Options include Airbnbs, local rentals, and extended stays for short-term opportunities. |
| 💳 Cashless Friendly | Yes, most places accept credit/debit cards and mobile payments. |
| 🏠 Short Term Rentals | Airbnb, Vrbo, and local rental agencies provide ample options. |
| 🛏️ Budget Accommodation | Hostel Paradise is a popular choice for budget travelers. |
Working and Networking
| 🏢 Best Coworking Space | MadWorks is a well-known coworking space with various membership plans. |
| ☕ Best Cafe for Work | Cafe L'Etoile offers a quiet atmosphere with great coffee. |
| 💼 Networking Events | Madison Startup Week and various Meetup groups cater to professional networking. |
| 🥂 Social Events for Expats | Expats in Madison Facebook group organizes regular meetups. |
Transportation
| 🚕 Best Taxi/Ride App | Uber and Lyft are widely used for on-demand transportation. |
| 🚲 Bike/Scooter Rental | BCycle provides bike-sharing services for easy commuting. |
| 🏖️ Best Beach Nearby | Lake Mendota has several accessible beaches, such as James Madison Park. |
| ✈️ Top Regional Airline | United Airlines operates many regional flights. |
| ✈️ Top International Airline | Delta Airlines and American Airlines provide major international connections. |
| 🛣️ Highway Access | Interstate 90 and 94 offer direct access to surrounding areas. |
| 🚉 Main Train/Transit Hub | Madison train station serves as the primary hub for Amtrak services. |
| 🚍 Public Transport Passes | Go Madison offers monthly passes for local bus services. |
| ✈️ Regional Travel | Buses like Badger Bus connect to surrounding cities such as Milwaukee and Chicago. |
Health and Wellness
| 🏥 Best Hospital | University of Wisconsin Hospital is the leading healthcare provider in the area. |
| 🧘 Yoga & Wellness Centers | Sankalp Yoga & Wellness offers a variety of classes for all levels. |
| 🏋️ Gyms & Fitness Centers | LA Fitness and Anytime Fitness are popular options. |
| 🧺 Laundry Services | Campus Laundry provides wash-and-fold services in the area. |
Food and Drink
| 📱 Best Food Delivery App | Grubhub and DoorDash are commonly used food delivery services. |
| 🍽️ Best Local Dish to Try | Try the Wisconsin cheese curds—an iconic local snack. |
| 🍱 Vegan/Vegetarian Options | The Green Owl Cafe offers a wide selection of vegetarian and vegan meals. |
| 🍫 Best Dessert Spots | Chocolate Shoppe Ice Cream Company is famous for its unique flavors. |
| 🛒 Affordable Shopping Spots | Madison's Farmers Market is great for fresh local produce at reasonable prices. |
| 🛒 E-commerce/Online Store | Amazon operates with speedy delivery in the area. |
| 🛒 Grocery Delivery | Instacart delivers groceries from various local stores. |
| 🍸 Bar/Nightlife Area | State Street is known for its vibrant nightlife, with numerous bars and clubs. |
| 🍻 Local Brewery | New Glarus Brewing Company offers tours and tastings. |
| 🍷 Wine Bars | The Wine and Beer Garden is a favorite for wine lovers. |
| 🍲 Street Food Stalls | Food carts near the University provide various quick eats. |
| 🍕 Popular International Cuisine | Sa Bai Thong offers delicious Thai cuisine. |
Culture and Attractions
| 🎟️ Must-See Landmarks | Wisconsin State Capitol is a must-see with its stunning architecture. |
| 🏛️ Museums & Art Venues | Chazen Museum of Art features diverse collections with free admission. |
| 🏰 Historical Sites | The Olbrich Botanical Gardens and the historic Monona Terrace are notable sites. |
| 🕍 Religious Sites | Grace Episcopal Church is one of the oldest active churches in the city. |
| 🎉 Annual Events | The Wisconsin Film Festival and Concerts on the Square are popular events. |
| 🎨 Cultural Districts | The Isthmus area is rich with galleries, theaters, and cultural spots. |
| 🎭 Theater Venues | The Overture Center hosts a variety of performing arts events. |
| 🛍️ Local Markets | The Downtown Farmers Market is vibrant throughout the summer and fall. |
| 🎼 Music Scene | Capitol Theatre features local and touring musicians regularly. |
| 🎨 Street Art | Graffiti art can be found in various alleys throughout the downtown area. |
| 🧑🍳 Cooking Classes | The Institute of Culinary Education offers classes for cooking enthusiasts. |
| 👩🎨 Art Galleries | Gallery 110 is a notable independent art space in Madison. |
| 🕰️ Historic Buildings | The Historic Orpheum Theatre attracts visitors with its iconic architecture. |
| 🏴 Local Heritage | Madison's State Street connects the University and the Capitol, symbolizing local heritage. |
Nature and Outdoor Activities
| 🌅 Nearby Nature Escapes | Nearby Governor Nelson State Park offers hiking and swimming opportunities. |
| 🏞️ National Parks Nearby | Devil's Lake State Park is a scenic area within a short drive. |
| 🚲 Cycling/Walking Paths | The Capital City State Trail provides scenic routes for biking and walking. |
| 🌄 Scenic Viewpoints | The picnic area at Picnic Point offers stunning views of Lake Mendota. |
| 🦉 Birdwatching Locations | The UW Arboretum is renowned for its diverse birdwatching opportunities. |
| 🔥 Bonfire-Friendly Spots | Specified areas in Governor Nelson State Park allow bonfires. |
Other Services and Amenities
| 📦 Parcel Delivery Service | UPS and FedEx have multiple locations for shipping needs. |
| 🛠️ Tech Repair Services | Madison Computer Repair offers local tech support and repairs. |
| 🏓 Table Tennis Spots | Local parks often have ping pong tables available for public use. |
| 🧑🏫 Language Classes | The Language Learning Center offers various language classes. |
| 📚 Libraries & Study Spots | Madison Public Library provides quiet areas for study and events. |
| 🏘️ Community Centers | The Neighborhood House community center hosts various activities. |
| 🕹️ Gaming Lounges | Level Up Gaming Lounge is a popular venue for gamers. |
| 🎰 Casino & Gaming Halls | Ho-Chunk Gaming Madison provides entertainment and gaming options. |
Business
| 🏢 Studio Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. $250,000 (e.g., $2,500 per m² for a 40 m² studio). |
| 🏢 Studio Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. $220,000 (e.g., $2,200 per m² for a 40 m² studio). |
| 🏠 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. $325,000 (e.g., $3,250 per m² for a 60 m² apartment). |
| 🏠 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. $275,000 (e.g., $2,750 per m² for a 60 m² apartment). |
| 🏡 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. $400,000 (e.g., $3,500 per m² for an 80 m² apartment). |
| 🏡 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. $335,000 (e.g., $2,800 per m² for an 80 m² apartment). |
| 💼 Corporate Tax | The corporate tax rate is around 21%. |
| 💵 Dividend Withholding Tax | The rate is 15% for qualified dividends. |
| 🏦 Tax System | US tax system is based on worldwide income for residents. |
| 📈 Highest Income Tax Bracket | The maximum personal income tax rate is 37%. |
| 🧾 VAT | Wisconsin does not impose a VAT; state sales tax is about 5.5%. |
| 🌐 Controlled Foreign Company (CFC) Rules | The US has strict CFC rules concerning taxation. |
| 🏠 Property Tax | The average property tax rate in Wisconsin is approximately 1.68%. |
| 🏠 Property Transaction Tax | There is no specific transaction tax, but sales tax applies to certain transfers. |