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

Madison

Wisconsin
103
VS

Fullerton

California
195

Madison is 47% cheaper than Fullerton.

$1,364/mo ↓ 36%
Median Rent
$2,124/mo ↑ 56%
$76,983/yr ↓ 26%
Median Income
$104,219/yr ↑ 35%
$346,900 ↓ 60%
Home Value
$859,600 ↑ 148%
$1,476/mo ↓ 34%
Owner Costs
$2,251/mo ↑ 53%
275,568
Population
141,278

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
24.5%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Madison, WI and Fullerton, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 103 and 195 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $760/month cheaper in Madison, saving renters about $9,120/year.

Median household income is $27,236/year higher in Fullerton. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Madison is $346,900 compared to $859,600 in Fullerton.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Madison vs Fullerton — common questions

Is Madison or Fullerton cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Madison is cheaper to live in with an index of 103 compared to 195 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Madison and Fullerton?
Median rent in Madison is $1,364/month and in Fullerton it's $2,124/month — a difference of $760/month.
Which city has higher income, Madison or Fullerton?
Median household income is $76,983 in Madison and $104,219 in Fullerton. Median household income is $27,236/year higher in Fullerton.
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 Fullerton?
It depends on your priorities. Madison has a cost index of 103 with median rent of $1,364/mo, while Fullerton has a cost index of 195 with rent of $2,124/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Madison details → View Fullerton details →

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