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

Madison

Wisconsin
103
VS

Hayward

California
200

Madison is 48% cheaper than Hayward.

$1,364/mo ↓ 42%
Median Rent
$2,360/mo ↑ 73%
$76,983/yr ↓ 32%
Median Income
$113,775/yr ↑ 48%
$346,900 ↓ 58%
Home Value
$820,700 ↑ 137%
$1,476/mo ↓ 39%
Owner Costs
$2,420/mo ↑ 64%
275,568
Population
159,201

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
24.9%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Madison, WI and Hayward, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 103 and 200 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $996/month cheaper in Madison, saving renters about $11,952/year.

Median household income is $36,792/year higher in Hayward. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Madison is $346,900 compared to $820,700 in Hayward.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Madison vs Hayward — common questions

Is Madison or Hayward cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Madison is cheaper to live in with an index of 103 compared to 200 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Madison and Hayward?
Median rent in Madison is $1,364/month and in Hayward it's $2,360/month — a difference of $996/month.
Which city has higher income, Madison or Hayward?
Median household income is $76,983 in Madison and $113,775 in Hayward. Median household income is $36,792/year higher in Hayward.
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 Hayward?
It depends on your priorities. Madison has a cost index of 103 with median rent of $1,364/mo, while Hayward has a cost index of 200 with rent of $2,360/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Madison details → View Hayward details →

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