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

Madison

Wisconsin
103
VS

Lancaster

California
124

Madison is 17% cheaper than Lancaster.

$1,364/mo ↓ 20%
Median Rent
$1,696/mo ↑ 24%
$76,983/yr ↑ 1%
Median Income
$76,083/yr ↓ 1%
$346,900 ↓ 15%
Home Value
$409,100 ↑ 18%
$1,476/mo ↓ 15%
Owner Costs
$1,746/mo ↑ 18%
275,568
Population
170,013

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
26.7%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Madison, WI and Lancaster, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 103 and 124 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $332/month cheaper in Madison, saving renters about $3,984/year.

Median household income is $900/year higher in Madison. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Madison is $346,900 compared to $409,100 in Lancaster.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Madison vs Lancaster — common questions

Is Madison or Lancaster cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Madison is cheaper to live in with an index of 103 compared to 124 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Madison and Lancaster?
Median rent in Madison is $1,364/month and in Lancaster it's $1,696/month — a difference of $332/month.
Which city has higher income, Madison or Lancaster?
Median household income is $76,983 in Madison and $76,083 in Lancaster. Median household income is $900/year higher in Madison.
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 Lancaster?
It depends on your priorities. Madison has a cost index of 103 with median rent of $1,364/mo, while Lancaster has a cost index of 124 with rent of $1,696/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Madison details → View Lancaster details →

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