Cost of Living: Anaheim, CA vs Madison, WI (2026)

Anaheim

California
182
VS

Madison

Wisconsin
103

Anaheim is 79% more expensive than Madison.

$2,082/mo ↑ 53%
Median Rent
$1,364/mo ↓ 34%
$90,583/yr ↑ 18%
Median Income
$76,983/yr ↓ 15%
$771,700 ↑ 122%
Home Value
$346,900 ↓ 55%
$2,165/mo ↑ 47%
Owner Costs
$1,476/mo ↓ 32%
344,553
Population
275,568

Tax Comparison

13.3%
Income Tax
7.65%
7.25%
Sales Tax
5.0%
0.71%
Property Tax
1.61%

Affordability

27.6%
rent-to-income
Affordability
21.3%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Anaheim, CA and Madison, WI, the overall cost of living indices are 182 and 103 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $718/month cheaper in Madison, saving renters about $8,616/year.

Median household income is $13,600/year higher in Anaheim. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Anaheim is $771,700 compared to $346,900 in Madison.

Wisconsin has a lower income tax rate, making Madison slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Anaheim vs Madison — common questions

Is Anaheim or Madison cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Madison is cheaper to live in with an index of 103 compared to 182 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Anaheim and Madison?
Median rent in Anaheim is $2,082/month and in Madison it's $1,364/month — a difference of $718/month.
Which city has higher income, Anaheim or Madison?
Median household income is $90,583 in Anaheim and $76,983 in Madison. Median household income is $13,600/year higher in Anaheim.
How do taxes compare between California and Wisconsin?
California has 13.3% income tax, 7.25% sales tax, and 0.71% property tax. Wisconsin has 7.65% income tax, 5.0% sales tax, and 1.61% property tax.
Should I move to Anaheim or Madison?
It depends on your priorities. Anaheim has a cost index of 182 with median rent of $2,082/mo, while Madison has a cost index of 103 with rent of $1,364/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
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