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

Madison

Wisconsin
103
VS

Modesto

California
120

Madison is 14% cheaper than Modesto.

$1,364/mo ↓ 15%
Median Rent
$1,609/mo ↑ 18%
$76,983/yr ↓ 1%
Median Income
$77,899/yr ↑ 1%
$346,900 ↓ 17%
Home Value
$415,600 ↑ 20%
$1,476/mo ↓ 8%
Owner Costs
$1,613/mo ↑ 9%
275,568
Population
218,614

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
24.8%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Madison, WI and Modesto, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 103 and 120 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $245/month cheaper in Madison, saving renters about $2,940/year.

Median household income is $916/year higher in Modesto. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Madison is $346,900 compared to $415,600 in Modesto.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Madison vs Modesto — common questions

Is Madison or Modesto cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Madison is cheaper to live in with an index of 103 compared to 120 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Madison and Modesto?
Median rent in Madison is $1,364/month and in Modesto it's $1,609/month — a difference of $245/month.
Which city has higher income, Madison or Modesto?
Median household income is $76,983 in Madison and $77,899 in Modesto. Median household income is $916/year higher in Modesto.
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 Modesto?
It depends on your priorities. Madison has a cost index of 103 with median rent of $1,364/mo, while Modesto has a cost index of 120 with rent of $1,609/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Madison details → View Modesto details →

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