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

Madison

Wisconsin
103
VS

Fontana

California
146

Madison is 29% cheaper than Fontana.

$1,364/mo ↓ 21%
Median Rent
$1,733/mo ↑ 27%
$76,983/yr ↓ 22%
Median Income
$98,187/yr ↑ 28%
$346,900 ↓ 38%
Home Value
$558,500 ↑ 61%
$1,476/mo ↓ 26%
Owner Costs
$1,990/mo ↑ 35%
275,568
Population
211,921

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
21.2%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Madison, WI and Fontana, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 103 and 146 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $369/month cheaper in Madison, saving renters about $4,428/year.

Median household income is $21,204/year higher in Fontana. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Madison is $346,900 compared to $558,500 in Fontana.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Madison vs Fontana — common questions

Is Madison or Fontana cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Madison is cheaper to live in with an index of 103 compared to 146 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Madison and Fontana?
Median rent in Madison is $1,364/month and in Fontana it's $1,733/month — a difference of $369/month.
Which city has higher income, Madison or Fontana?
Median household income is $76,983 in Madison and $98,187 in Fontana. Median household income is $21,204/year higher in Fontana.
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 Fontana?
It depends on your priorities. Madison has a cost index of 103 with median rent of $1,364/mo, while Fontana has a cost index of 146 with rent of $1,733/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Madison details → View Fontana details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Madison and Fontana

Madison vs. Buffalo Madison vs. Chula Vista Madison vs. Chandler Madison vs. Gilbert Madison vs. Plano Madison vs. North Las Vegas Fontana vs. Des Moines Fontana vs. Moreno Valley Fontana vs. Modesto Fontana vs. Frisco Fontana vs. Huntsville Fontana vs. Rochester