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

Madison

Wisconsin
103
VS

Costa Mesa

California
228

Madison is 55% cheaper than Costa Mesa.

$1,364/mo ↓ 43%
Median Rent
$2,395/mo ↑ 76%
$76,983/yr ↓ 30%
Median Income
$110,073/yr ↑ 43%
$346,900 ↓ 67%
Home Value
$1,054,700 ↑ 204%
$1,476/mo ↓ 40%
Owner Costs
$2,462/mo ↑ 67%
275,568
Population
110,538

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
26.1%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Madison, WI and Costa Mesa, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 103 and 228 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $1,031/month cheaper in Madison, saving renters about $12,372/year.

Median household income is $33,090/year higher in Costa Mesa. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Madison is $346,900 compared to $1,054,700 in Costa Mesa.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Madison vs Costa Mesa — common questions

Is Madison or Costa Mesa cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Madison is cheaper to live in with an index of 103 compared to 228 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Madison and Costa Mesa?
Median rent in Madison is $1,364/month and in Costa Mesa it's $2,395/month — a difference of $1,031/month.
Which city has higher income, Madison or Costa Mesa?
Median household income is $76,983 in Madison and $110,073 in Costa Mesa. Median household income is $33,090/year higher in Costa Mesa.
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 Costa Mesa?
It depends on your priorities. Madison has a cost index of 103 with median rent of $1,364/mo, while Costa Mesa has a cost index of 228 with rent of $2,395/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Madison details → View Costa Mesa details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Madison and Costa Mesa

Madison vs. Buffalo Madison vs. Chula Vista Madison vs. Chandler Madison vs. Gilbert Madison vs. Plano Madison vs. North Las Vegas Costa Mesa vs. Everett Costa Mesa vs. Temecula Costa Mesa vs. Miami Gardens Costa Mesa vs. Ventura Costa Mesa vs. Pueblo Costa Mesa vs. Santa Maria