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

Madison

Wisconsin
103
VS

Chula Vista

California
178

Madison is 75% cheaper than Chula Vista.

$1,364/mo ↓ 36%
Median Rent
$2,122/mo ↑ 56%
$76,983/yr ↓ 27%
Median Income
$105,173/yr ↑ 37%
$346,900 ↓ 50%
Home Value
$697,400 ↑ 101%
$1,476/mo ↓ 37%
Owner Costs
$2,342/mo ↑ 59%
275,568
Population
275,030

Tax Comparison

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

Affordability

21.3%
rent-to-income
Affordability
24.2%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Madison, WI and Chula Vista, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 103 and 178 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $758/month cheaper in Madison, saving renters about $9,096/year.

Median household income is $28,190/year higher in Chula Vista. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Madison is $346,900 compared to $697,400 in Chula Vista.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Madison vs Chula Vista — common questions

Is Madison or Chula Vista cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Madison is cheaper to live in with an index of 103 compared to 178 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Madison and Chula Vista?
Median rent in Madison is $1,364/month and in Chula Vista it's $2,122/month — a difference of $758/month.
Which city has higher income, Madison or Chula Vista?
Median household income is $76,983 in Madison and $105,173 in Chula Vista. Median household income is $28,190/year higher in Chula Vista.
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 Chula Vista?
It depends on your priorities. Madison has a cost index of 103 with median rent of $1,364/mo, while Chula Vista has a cost index of 178 with rent of $2,122/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
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