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

Madison

Wisconsin
103
VS

Garden Grove

California
176

Madison is 41% cheaper than Garden Grove.

$1,364/mo ↓ 31%
Median Rent
$1,971/mo ↑ 45%
$76,983/yr ↓ 15%
Median Income
$90,166/yr ↑ 17%
$346,900 ↓ 55%
Home Value
$765,500 ↑ 121%
$1,476/mo ↓ 27%
Owner Costs
$2,016/mo ↑ 37%
275,568
Population
170,603

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
26.2%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Madison, WI and Garden Grove, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 103 and 176 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $607/month cheaper in Madison, saving renters about $7,284/year.

Median household income is $13,183/year higher in Garden Grove. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Madison is $346,900 compared to $765,500 in Garden Grove.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Madison vs Garden Grove — common questions

Is Madison or Garden Grove cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Madison is cheaper to live in with an index of 103 compared to 176 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Madison and Garden Grove?
Median rent in Madison is $1,364/month and in Garden Grove it's $1,971/month — a difference of $607/month.
Which city has higher income, Madison or Garden Grove?
Median household income is $76,983 in Madison and $90,166 in Garden Grove. Median household income is $13,183/year higher in Garden Grove.
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 Garden Grove?
It depends on your priorities. Madison has a cost index of 103 with median rent of $1,364/mo, while Garden Grove has a cost index of 176 with rent of $1,971/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Madison details → View Garden Grove details →

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