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

Madison

Wisconsin
103
VS

Berkeley

California
251

Madison is 59% cheaper than Berkeley.

$1,364/mo ↓ 36%
Median Rent
$2,127/mo ↑ 56%
$76,983/yr ↓ 29%
Median Income
$108,558/yr ↑ 41%
$346,900 ↓ 74%
Home Value
$1,351,100 ↑ 289%
$1,476/mo ↓ 37%
Owner Costs
$2,340/mo ↑ 59%
275,568
Population
120,223

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
23.5%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Madison, WI and Berkeley, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 103 and 251 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $763/month cheaper in Madison, saving renters about $9,156/year.

Median household income is $31,575/year higher in Berkeley. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Madison is $346,900 compared to $1,351,100 in Berkeley.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Madison vs Berkeley — common questions

Is Madison or Berkeley cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Madison is cheaper to live in with an index of 103 compared to 251 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Madison and Berkeley?
Median rent in Madison is $1,364/month and in Berkeley it's $2,127/month — a difference of $763/month.
Which city has higher income, Madison or Berkeley?
Median household income is $76,983 in Madison and $108,558 in Berkeley. Median household income is $31,575/year higher in Berkeley.
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 Berkeley?
It depends on your priorities. Madison has a cost index of 103 with median rent of $1,364/mo, while Berkeley has a cost index of 251 with rent of $2,127/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Madison details → View Berkeley details →

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