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

Madison

Wisconsin
103
VS

Antioch

California
171

Madison is 40% cheaper than Antioch.

$1,364/mo ↓ 39%
Median Rent
$2,241/mo ↑ 64%
$76,983/yr ↓ 18%
Median Income
$94,256/yr ↑ 22%
$346,900 ↓ 43%
Home Value
$607,400 ↑ 75%
$1,476/mo ↓ 35%
Owner Costs
$2,271/mo ↑ 54%
275,568
Population
115,759

Tax Comparison

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

Affordability

21.3%
rent-to-income
Affordability
28.5%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Madison, WI and Antioch, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 103 and 171 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $877/month cheaper in Madison, saving renters about $10,524/year.

Median household income is $17,273/year higher in Antioch. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Madison is $346,900 compared to $607,400 in Antioch.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Madison vs Antioch — common questions

Is Madison or Antioch cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Madison is cheaper to live in with an index of 103 compared to 171 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Madison and Antioch?
Median rent in Madison is $1,364/month and in Antioch it's $2,241/month — a difference of $877/month.
Which city has higher income, Madison or Antioch?
Median household income is $76,983 in Madison and $94,256 in Antioch. Median household income is $17,273/year higher in Antioch.
How do taxes compare between Wisconsin and California?
Wisconsin has 7.65% income tax, 5.0% sales tax, and 1.61% property tax. California has 13.3% income tax, 7.25% sales tax, and 0.71% property tax.
Should I move to Madison or Antioch?
It depends on your priorities. Madison has a cost index of 103 with median rent of $1,364/mo, while Antioch has a cost index of 171 with rent of $2,241/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
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