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

Madison

Wisconsin
103
VS

Carlsbad

California
253

Madison is 59% cheaper than Carlsbad.

$1,364/mo ↓ 49%
Median Rent
$2,678/mo ↑ 96%
$76,983/yr ↓ 45%
Median Income
$139,326/yr ↑ 81%
$346,900 ↓ 70%
Home Value
$1,156,900 ↑ 233%
$1,476/mo ↓ 47%
Owner Costs
$2,801/mo ↑ 90%
275,568
Population
114,500

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
23.1%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Madison, WI and Carlsbad, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 103 and 253 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $1,314/month cheaper in Madison, saving renters about $15,768/year.

Median household income is $62,343/year higher in Carlsbad. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Madison is $346,900 compared to $1,156,900 in Carlsbad.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Madison vs Carlsbad — common questions

Is Madison or Carlsbad cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Madison is cheaper to live in with an index of 103 compared to 253 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Madison and Carlsbad?
Median rent in Madison is $1,364/month and in Carlsbad it's $2,678/month — a difference of $1,314/month.
Which city has higher income, Madison or Carlsbad?
Median household income is $76,983 in Madison and $139,326 in Carlsbad. Median household income is $62,343/year higher in Carlsbad.
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 Carlsbad?
It depends on your priorities. Madison has a cost index of 103 with median rent of $1,364/mo, while Carlsbad has a cost index of 253 with rent of $2,678/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Madison details → View Carlsbad details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Madison and Carlsbad

Madison vs. Buffalo Madison vs. Chula Vista Madison vs. Chandler Madison vs. Gilbert Madison vs. Plano Madison vs. North Las Vegas Carlsbad vs. East Los Angeles Carlsbad vs. Waterbury Carlsbad vs. Lowell Carlsbad vs. Provo Carlsbad vs. League City Carlsbad vs. Elgin