Hendersonville, TN vs. Madison, TN: Cost of Living Comparison (2025)
Rent in Hendersonville averages $250 less per month than in Madison for a comparable 2-bedroom apartment. This article provides a detailed cost of living comparison between Hendersonville and Madison. It is perfect for families relocating, professionals choosing between job offers, or anyone comparing the real-life cost of living in these two Tennessee cities in 2025.
Housing Costs
Housing is often the biggest factor in cost of living differences. Here’s how Hendersonville and Madison compare for typical housing options:
| Housing Type | Hendersonville | Madison |
|---|---|---|
| 2BR Apartment (Monthly Rent) | $1,250 | $1,500 |
| 3BR House (Median Price) | $350,000 | $425,000 |
🏆 Winner: Hendersonville. Renting a 2-bedroom apartment costs about $250 less per month, and buying a home is roughly 18% cheaper in Hendersonville compared to Madison.
Utilities and Energy Costs
Utility costs are fairly similar between the two cities. Expect monthly bills around:
- Electricity: $120-150
- Water/Sewer/Trash: $60-80
- Internet: $50-70
Hendersonville’s slightly milder climate means lower summer AC bills, but winter heating costs are comparable.
🏆 Winner: Hendersonville, but only by a small margin. Utility costs are only about 5-10% lower than in Madison.
Groceries and Daily Expenses
Grocery costs are very similar between Hendersonville and Madison. Expect to spend around $400-500 per month for a typical family. Restaurant prices are nearly identical, with an average meal out costing about $12-15 per person.
🏆 Winner: Tie. There is no significant difference in food and daily living costs.
Taxes and Fees
Both cities have similar property tax rates around 0.6-0.7%. In Hendersonville, HOA fees often include landscaping and trash, ranging from $200-400 monthly. Madison HOAs are slightly lower at $150-300.
🏆 Winner: Madison. Lower HOA fees can save $50-100 per month compared to Hendersonville.
Cost of Living Summary
| Category | Hendersonville | Madison |
|---|---|---|
| Housing | $1,250 | $1,500 |
| Utilities | $230 | $250 |
| Groceries | $450 | $450 |
| Transportation | $300 | $250 |
| Taxes & Fees | $300 | $250 |
| Misc | $250 | $250 |
| Estimated Monthly Total | $2,780 | $2,950 |
Lifestyle Fit
Hendersonville offers more space for the money, with larger apartments and homes compared to Madison. However, Madison has more public transportation options and slightly better walkability. Hendersonville is about 5°F cooler on average in the summer months.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Is Hendersonville more affordable than Madison? Yes, the cost of living is about 5-10% lower in Hendersonville, mainly due to cheaper housing.
- Which city has lower rent? Hendersonville rent is around $250 less per month for a comparable apartment.
- Where is it cheaper to buy a home? Median home prices in Hendersonville are roughly 18% lower than in Madison.
Conclusion
Overall, Hendersonville is more affordable than Madison, especially for housing costs. A household moving from Madison to Hendersonville might save $400/month on housing alone. However, Madison offers some advantages like better public transit.
Families looking to stretch their budget will likely prefer Hendersonville, while young professionals who prioritize walkability may opt for Madison despite the higher cost of living. Be sure to read our other cost of living breakdowns for Tennessee cities like Hendersonville monthly budgeting and detailed Hendersonville cost of living to further inform your decision.