Madison, United States 🇺🇸
#1373
,
Nomad Score:
66%
Essentials
| 🏙️ City | Madison is the capital city of the state of Wisconsin, known for its vibrant culture, beautiful lakes, and as home to the University of Wisconsin-Madison. |
| 👥 Population | Approximately 269,000 residents as of 2023. |
| 💻 Internet Speed | Average download speeds are around 200 Mbps, with many cafes and co-working spaces offering free Wi-Fi. |
| 💸 Currency & Banking | 1 USD = 1 USD; major banks include US Bank, Associated Bank, and Chase. |
| 🚰 Tap Water | Drinkable, with excellent water quality reported by the city. |
| 🔌 Power | 120V, 60Hz, with Type A/B sockets used in most properties. |
| 📶 SIM Card | Popular mobile providers include Verizon, AT&T, and T-Mobile, with prepaid options available. |
| 💳 Banking for Expats | Local banks like BMO Harris Bank and Chase offer services for expats, such as international accounts. |
| 🛌 Accommodation | Options include Airbnb, long-term rentals through Zillow and Craigslist, and apartment complexes like The Edge Apartments. |
| 💳 Cashless Friendly | Yes, most places accept credit/debit cards and mobile payments like Apple Pay and Google Wallet. |
| 🏠 Short Term Rentals | Airbnb and Vrbo are popular choices for short-term stays. |
| 🛏️ Budget Accommodation | Hostels like HI Madison Hostel and budget hotels like Motel 6. |
| 🏙️ Best Area to Stay for Tourists | Downtown Madison, near the Capitol Square, offers attractions, dining, and shopping. |
| 🏙️ Best Area to Stay for Digital Nomads | East Side has many cafes and co-working spaces like WeWork and Endeavor, making it ideal. |
Working and Networking
| 🏢 Best Coworking Space | Madison Co-Working and The Edge are well-regarded for their facilities and networking events. |
| ☕ Best Cafe for Work | Intelligentsia Coffee offers a great atmosphere for remote work. |
| 💼 Networking Events | Check Meetup.com for regular tech and business networking events throughout the city. |
| 🥂 Social Events for Expats | Facebook groups like 'Madison Expats' host events and gatherings for newcomers. |
Transportation
| 🚕 Best Taxi/Ride App | Uber and Lyft are widely used in the area. |
| 🚲 Bike/Scooter Rental | Madison BCycle allows residents and visitors to rent bikes throughout the city. |
| 🏖️ Best Beach Nearby | Lake Monona's beach is popular and easily accessible for a beach day. |
| ✈️ Top Regional Airline | SkyWest Airlines operates many flights connecting to major cities. |
| ✈️ Top International Airline | American Airlines offers flights to Chicago O'Hare for international connections. |
| 🛣️ Highway Access | I-90/I-94 provides extensive highway access to and from Madison. |
| 🚉 Main Train/Transit Hub | Madison's Hub is served by Badger Bus services, connecting to regional areas. |
| 🚍 Public Transport Passes | Metro Transit offers day passes and reduced-fare monthly passes. |
| ✈️ Regional Travel | Buses from Greyhound and Badger Bus connect Madison to surrounding cities. |
Health and Wellness
| 🏥 Best Hospital | University of Wisconsin Hospitals and Clinics is the primary healthcare provider. |
| 🧘 Yoga & Wellness Centers | CorePower Yoga and The Studio are popular for yoga and wellness activities. |
| 🏋️ Gyms & Fitness Centers | YMCA and Planet Fitness offer various fitness classes and equipment. |
| 🧺 Laundry Services | Laundromat locations like 24 Hour Laundry provide convenient washing facilities. |
Food and Drink
| 📱 Best Food Delivery App | DoorDash and Grubhub are the most popular food delivery services. |
| 🍽️ Best Local Dish to Try | Try the cheese curds, a Wisconsin staple found in many local restaurants. |
| 🍱 Vegan/Vegetarian Options | Food Fight! Restaurant Group offers multiple vegan and vegetarian eateries across the city. |
| 🍫 Best Dessert Spots | Recommended is Chocolate Shoppe Ice Cream Co. for unique flavors. |
| 🛒 Affordable Shopping Spots | Visit the Dane County Farmers' Market for fresh produce and local goods. |
| 🛒 E-commerce/Online Store | Amazon and Walmart offer online shopping and delivery services. |
| 🛒 Grocery Delivery | Instacart and Shipt provide grocery delivery from local stores. |
| 🍸 Bar/Nightlife Area | State Street has a vibrant nightlife scene with bars and live music. |
| 🍻 Local Brewery | New Glarus Brewing Company is notable for its famous beers and tours. |
| 🍷 Wine Bars | Toast Wine Bar offers a great selection of local and international wines. |
| 🍲 Street Food Stalls | Food trucks abound in the downtown area, especially during events. |
| 🍕 Popular International Cuisine | Restaurants like Lombardino's offer a taste of Italian cuisine. |
Culture and Attractions
| 🎟️ Must-See Landmarks | Wisconsin State Capitol and Monona Terrace are architectural highlights. |
| 🏛️ Museums & Art Venues | Chazen Museum of Art provides stunning exhibits and is free to the public. |
| 🏰 Historical Sites | Visit the Historic Olbrich Botanical Gardens for its beauty and history. |
| 🕍 Religious Sites | Trinity Episcopal Church is a significant historical and architectural site. |
| 🎉 Annual Events | The Taste of Madison is a popular annual food festival held in September. |
| 🎨 Cultural Districts | The East Side is known for its artistic communities and local galleries. |
| 🎭 Theater Venues | The Overture Center hosts numerous performances and cultural events. |
| 🛍️ Local Markets | Dane County Farmers' Market is one of the largest producer-only markets in the country. |
| 🎼 Music Scene | The Majestic Theatre hosts a variety of live music performances. |
| 🎨 Street Art | The murals around the East Side showcase vibrant local talent. |
| 🧑🍳 Cooking Classes | The Madison Culinary School offers classes in various cuisines. |
| 👩🎨 Art Galleries | The Madison Museum of Contemporary Art features rotating exhibitions. |
| 🕰️ Historic Buildings | The Badger State Headquarters showcases unique architecture and history. |
| 🏴 Local Heritage | The city's history as a progressive political hub is celebrated in various museums. |
Nature and Outdoor Activities
| 🌅 Nearby Nature Escapes | The Yahara River and various lakes provide outdoor recreational activities. |
| 🏞️ National Parks Nearby | Devil's Lake State Park, which is about 30 miles away, is a favorite for hiking and nature. |
| 🚲 Cycling/Walking Paths | Numerous trails, including the Capital City State Trail, offer great cycling and walking routes. |
| 🌄 Scenic Viewpoints | The Edgewater Hotel provides great lake views, especially at sunset. |
| 🦉 Birdwatching Locations | The UW Arboretum is a local hotspot for birdwatching. |
| 🔥 Bonfire-Friendly Spots | Parks like James Madison Park allow bonfires in designated areas. |
Other Services and Amenities
| 📦 Parcel Delivery Service | FedEx, UPS, and USPS have multiple locations throughout the city. |
| 🛠️ Tech Repair Services | Tech Repair Madison offers a variety of services for devices. |
| 🏓 Table Tennis Spots | The UW-Madison Recreation Center has table tennis facilities available. |
| 🧑🏫 Language Classes | The Wisconsin Language School offers various foreign language classes. |
| 📚 Libraries & Study Spots | Madison Public Library locations provide quiet spaces for study and research. |
| 🏘️ Community Centers | The Warner Park Community Center hosts numerous events and activities. |
| 🕹️ Gaming Lounges | Local gaming cafes like The Gaming Zone cater to tabletop gaming enthusiasts. |
| 🎰 Casino & Gaming Halls | Ho-Chunk Casino, located about 30 minutes away, offers gaming options. |
Business
| 🏢 Studio Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. $2,500 per m² (e.g., 45 m² = $112,500). |
| 🏢 Studio Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. $2,000 per m² (e.g., 45 m² = $90,000). |
| 🏠 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. $2,800 per m² (e.g., 60 m² = $168,000). |
| 🏠 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. $2,300 per m² (e.g., 60 m² = $138,000). |
| 🏡 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. $3,000 per m² (e.g., 80 m² = $240,000). |
| 🏡 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. $2,500 per m² (e.g., 80 m² = $200,000). |
| 💼 Corporate Tax | The corporate tax rate is approximately 21%. |
| 💵 Dividend Withholding Tax | The tax rate on dividends is 15%. |
| 🏦 Tax System | Based on personal income tax in Wisconsin, which is progressive and varies by income level. |
| 📈 Highest Income Tax Bracket | Wisconsin's top tax rate is 7.65% for individuals earning over $263,480. |
| 🧾 VAT | Wisconsin has a state sales tax of 5%. |
| 🌐 Controlled Foreign Company (CFC) Rules | The U.S. has various rules regarding foreign entities, generally requiring reporting of foreign income. |
| 🏠 Property Tax | Based on assessed property value, average rate is about 1.76%. |
| 🏠 Property Transaction Tax | There is no direct property transaction tax, but certain recording fees apply. |
| 💻 Attractive Tax System for Digital Nomads | Digital nomads can benefit from various business structures to optimize tax liabilities, including LLCs. |