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

Fresno

California
101
VS

Madison

Wisconsin
103

Fresno and Madison have a similar cost of living.

$1,324/mo ↓ 3%
Median Rent
$1,364/mo ↑ 3%
$66,804/yr ↓ 13%
Median Income
$76,983/yr ↑ 15%
$348,500 ≈ Same
Home Value
$346,900 ≈ Same
$1,391/mo ↓ 6%
Owner Costs
$1,476/mo ↑ 6%
543,615
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

23.8%
rent-to-income
Affordability
21.3%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Fresno, CA and Madison, WI, the overall cost of living indices are 101 and 103 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is comparable in both cities, with less than $50/month separating them.

Median household income is $10,179/year higher in Madison. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Fresno is $348,500 compared to $346,900 in Madison.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Fresno vs Madison — common questions

Is Fresno or Madison cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Fresno is cheaper to live in with an index of 101 compared to 103 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Fresno and Madison?
Median rent in Fresno is $1,324/month and in Madison it's $1,364/month — a difference of $40/month.
Which city has higher income, Fresno or Madison?
Median household income is $66,804 in Fresno and $76,983 in Madison. Median household income is $10,179/year higher in Madison.
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 Fresno or Madison?
It depends on your priorities. Fresno has a cost index of 101 with median rent of $1,324/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 Fresno details → View Madison details →

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