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

Bakersfield

California
104
VS

Madison

Wisconsin
103

Bakersfield and Madison have a similar cost of living.

$1,371/mo ≈ Same
Median Rent
$1,364/mo ≈ Same
$77,397/yr ≈ Same
Median Income
$76,983/yr ≈ Same
$347,300 ≈ Same
Home Value
$346,900 ≈ Same
$1,540/mo ↑ 4%
Owner Costs
$1,476/mo ↓ 4%
408,366
Population
275,568

Tax Comparison

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

Affordability

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

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Bakersfield, CA and Madison, WI, the overall cost of living indices are 104 and 103 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is comparable in both cities, with less than $50/month separating them.

Median household income is $414/year higher in Bakersfield. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Bakersfield is $347,300 compared to $346,900 in Madison.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Bakersfield vs Madison — common questions

Is Bakersfield or Madison cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Madison is cheaper to live in with an index of 103 compared to 104 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Bakersfield and Madison?
Median rent in Bakersfield is $1,371/month and in Madison it's $1,364/month — a difference of $7/month.
Which city has higher income, Bakersfield or Madison?
Median household income is $77,397 in Bakersfield and $76,983 in Madison. Median household income is $414/year higher in Bakersfield.
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 Bakersfield or Madison?
It depends on your priorities. Bakersfield has a cost index of 104 with median rent of $1,371/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.
View Bakersfield details → View Madison details →

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