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

Madison

Wisconsin
103
VS

Concord

California
187

Madison is 45% cheaper than Concord.

$1,364/mo ↓ 39%
Median Rent
$2,226/mo ↑ 63%
$76,983/yr ↓ 29%
Median Income
$109,195/yr ↑ 42%
$346,900 ↓ 54%
Home Value
$755,900 ↑ 118%
$1,476/mo ↓ 35%
Owner Costs
$2,284/mo ↑ 55%
275,568
Population
124,260

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
24.5%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Madison, WI and Concord, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 103 and 187 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $862/month cheaper in Madison, saving renters about $10,344/year.

Median household income is $32,212/year higher in Concord. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Madison is $346,900 compared to $755,900 in Concord.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Madison vs Concord — common questions

Is Madison or Concord 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 Madison and Concord?
Median rent in Madison is $1,364/month and in Concord it's $2,226/month — a difference of $862/month.
Which city has higher income, Madison or Concord?
Median household income is $76,983 in Madison and $109,195 in Concord. Median household income is $32,212/year higher in Concord.
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 Concord?
It depends on your priorities. Madison has a cost index of 103 with median rent of $1,364/mo, while Concord has a cost index of 187 with rent of $2,226/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Madison details → View Concord details →

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