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

Madison

Wisconsin
103
VS

Glendale

California
214

Madison is 52% cheaper than Glendale.

$1,364/mo ↓ 35%
Median Rent
$2,095/mo ↑ 54%
$76,983/yr ↓ 9%
Median Income
$84,262/yr ↑ 9%
$346,900 ↓ 67%
Home Value
$1,043,900 ↑ 201%
$1,476/mo ↓ 33%
Owner Costs
$2,212/mo ↑ 50%
275,568
Population
192,270

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
29.8%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Madison, WI and Glendale, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 103 and 214 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $731/month cheaper in Madison, saving renters about $8,772/year.

Median household income is $7,279/year higher in Glendale. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Madison is $346,900 compared to $1,043,900 in Glendale.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Madison vs Glendale — common questions

Is Madison or Glendale cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Madison is cheaper to live in with an index of 103 compared to 214 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Madison and Glendale?
Median rent in Madison is $1,364/month and in Glendale it's $2,095/month — a difference of $731/month.
Which city has higher income, Madison or Glendale?
Median household income is $76,983 in Madison and $84,262 in Glendale. Median household income is $7,279/year higher in Glendale.
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 Glendale?
It depends on your priorities. Madison has a cost index of 103 with median rent of $1,364/mo, while Glendale has a cost index of 214 with rent of $2,095/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Madison details → View Glendale details →

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