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

Madison

Wisconsin
103
VS

Huntington Beach

California
227

Madison is 55% cheaper than Huntington Beach.

$1,364/mo ↓ 44%
Median Rent
$2,424/mo ↑ 78%
$76,983/yr ↓ 36%
Median Income
$119,885/yr ↑ 56%
$346,900 ↓ 67%
Home Value
$1,047,300 ↑ 202%
$1,476/mo ↓ 39%
Owner Costs
$2,436/mo ↑ 65%
275,568
Population
196,010

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
24.3%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Madison, WI and Huntington Beach, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 103 and 227 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $1,060/month cheaper in Madison, saving renters about $12,720/year.

Median household income is $42,902/year higher in Huntington Beach. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Madison is $346,900 compared to $1,047,300 in Huntington Beach.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Madison vs Huntington Beach — common questions

Is Madison or Huntington Beach cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Madison is cheaper to live in with an index of 103 compared to 227 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Madison and Huntington Beach?
Median rent in Madison is $1,364/month and in Huntington Beach it's $2,424/month — a difference of $1,060/month.
Which city has higher income, Madison or Huntington Beach?
Median household income is $76,983 in Madison and $119,885 in Huntington Beach. Median household income is $42,902/year higher in Huntington Beach.
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 Huntington Beach?
It depends on your priorities. Madison has a cost index of 103 with median rent of $1,364/mo, while Huntington Beach has a cost index of 227 with rent of $2,424/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Madison details → View Huntington Beach details →

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