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

Madison

Wisconsin
103
VS

Fairfield

California
167

Madison is 38% cheaper than Fairfield.

$1,364/mo ↓ 38%
Median Rent
$2,191/mo ↑ 61%
$76,983/yr ↓ 25%
Median Income
$102,321/yr ↑ 33%
$346,900 ↓ 41%
Home Value
$592,500 ↑ 71%
$1,476/mo ↓ 34%
Owner Costs
$2,226/mo ↑ 51%
275,568
Population
119,985

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
25.7%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Madison, WI and Fairfield, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 103 and 167 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $827/month cheaper in Madison, saving renters about $9,924/year.

Median household income is $25,338/year higher in Fairfield. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Madison is $346,900 compared to $592,500 in Fairfield.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Madison vs Fairfield — common questions

Is Madison or Fairfield cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Madison is cheaper to live in with an index of 103 compared to 167 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Madison and Fairfield?
Median rent in Madison is $1,364/month and in Fairfield it's $2,191/month — a difference of $827/month.
Which city has higher income, Madison or Fairfield?
Median household income is $76,983 in Madison and $102,321 in Fairfield. Median household income is $25,338/year higher in Fairfield.
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 Fairfield?
It depends on your priorities. Madison has a cost index of 103 with median rent of $1,364/mo, while Fairfield has a cost index of 167 with rent of $2,191/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Madison details → View Fairfield details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Madison and Fairfield

Madison vs. Buffalo Madison vs. Chula Vista Madison vs. Chandler Madison vs. Gilbert Madison vs. Plano Madison vs. North Las Vegas Fairfield vs. Berkeley Fairfield vs. Hartford Fairfield vs. Ann Arbor Fairfield vs. West Palm Beach Fairfield vs. Lafayette Fairfield vs. Spring Hill