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

Los Angeles

California
187
VS

Madison

Wisconsin
103

Los Angeles is 82% more expensive than Madison.

$1,879/mo ↑ 38%
Median Rent
$1,364/mo ↓ 27%
$80,366/yr ↑ 4%
Median Income
$76,983/yr ↓ 4%
$879,500 ↑ 154%
Home Value
$346,900 ↓ 61%
$2,055/mo ↑ 39%
Owner Costs
$1,476/mo ↓ 28%
3,857,897
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

28.1%
rent-to-income
Affordability
21.3%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Los Angeles, CA and Madison, WI, the overall cost of living indices are 187 and 103 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $515/month cheaper in Madison, saving renters about $6,180/year.

Median household income is $3,383/year higher in Los Angeles. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Los Angeles is $879,500 compared to $346,900 in Madison.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Los Angeles vs Madison — common questions

Is Los Angeles or Madison cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Madison is cheaper to live in with an index of 103 compared to 187 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Los Angeles and Madison?
Median rent in Los Angeles is $1,879/month and in Madison it's $1,364/month — a difference of $515/month.
Which city has higher income, Los Angeles or Madison?
Median household income is $80,366 in Los Angeles and $76,983 in Madison. Median household income is $3,383/year higher in Los Angeles.
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 Los Angeles or Madison?
It depends on your priorities. Los Angeles has a cost index of 187 with median rent of $1,879/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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