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

Madison

Wisconsin
103
VS

Fremont

California
278

Madison is 63% cheaper than Fremont.

$1,364/mo ↓ 53%
Median Rent
$2,905/mo ↑ 113%
$76,983/yr ↓ 56%
Median Income
$176,350/yr ↑ 129%
$346,900 ↓ 73%
Home Value
$1,289,400 ↑ 272%
$1,476/mo ↓ 51%
Owner Costs
$3,000/mo ↑ 103%
275,568
Population
228,518

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
19.8%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Madison, WI and Fremont, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 103 and 278 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $1,541/month cheaper in Madison, saving renters about $18,492/year.

Median household income is $99,367/year higher in Fremont. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Madison is $346,900 compared to $1,289,400 in Fremont.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Madison vs Fremont — common questions

Is Madison or Fremont cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Madison is cheaper to live in with an index of 103 compared to 278 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Madison and Fremont?
Median rent in Madison is $1,364/month and in Fremont it's $2,905/month — a difference of $1,541/month.
Which city has higher income, Madison or Fremont?
Median household income is $76,983 in Madison and $176,350 in Fremont. Median household income is $99,367/year higher in Fremont.
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 Fremont?
It depends on your priorities. Madison has a cost index of 103 with median rent of $1,364/mo, while Fremont has a cost index of 278 with rent of $2,905/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Madison details → View Fremont details →

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