Cost of Living: Madison, WI vs East Los Angeles, CA (2026)

Madison

Wisconsin
103
VS

East Los Angeles

California
134

Madison is 23% cheaper than East Los Angeles.

$1,364/mo ↓ 5%
Median Rent
$1,431/mo ↑ 5%
$76,983/yr ↑ 13%
Median Income
$68,378/yr ↓ 11%
$346,900 ↓ 43%
Home Value
$613,600 ↑ 77%
$1,476/mo ↑ 1%
Owner Costs
$1,458/mo ↓ 1%
275,568
Population
114,617

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
25.1%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Madison, WI and East Los Angeles, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 103 and 134 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $67/month cheaper in Madison, saving renters about $804/year.

Median household income is $8,605/year higher in Madison. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Madison is $346,900 compared to $613,600 in East Los Angeles.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Madison vs East Los Angeles — common questions

Is Madison or East Los Angeles cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Madison is cheaper to live in with an index of 103 compared to 134 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Madison and East Los Angeles?
Median rent in Madison is $1,364/month and in East Los Angeles it's $1,431/month — a difference of $67/month.
Which city has higher income, Madison or East Los Angeles?
Median household income is $76,983 in Madison and $68,378 in East Los Angeles. Median household income is $8,605/year higher in Madison.
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 East Los Angeles?
It depends on your priorities. Madison has a cost index of 103 with median rent of $1,364/mo, while East Los Angeles has a cost index of 134 with rent of $1,431/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Madison details → View East Los Angeles details →

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