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

Madison

Wisconsin
103
VS

Moreno Valley

California
144

Madison is 28% cheaper than Moreno Valley.

$1,364/mo ↓ 33%
Median Rent
$2,036/mo ↑ 49%
$76,983/yr ↓ 12%
Median Income
$87,477/yr ↑ 14%
$346,900 ↓ 25%
Home Value
$461,400 ↑ 33%
$1,476/mo ↓ 25%
Owner Costs
$1,980/mo ↑ 34%
275,568
Population
210,378

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
27.9%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Madison, WI and Moreno Valley, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 103 and 144 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $672/month cheaper in Madison, saving renters about $8,064/year.

Median household income is $10,494/year higher in Moreno Valley. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Madison is $346,900 compared to $461,400 in Moreno Valley.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Madison vs Moreno Valley — common questions

Is Madison or Moreno Valley cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Madison is cheaper to live in with an index of 103 compared to 144 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Madison and Moreno Valley?
Median rent in Madison is $1,364/month and in Moreno Valley it's $2,036/month — a difference of $672/month.
Which city has higher income, Madison or Moreno Valley?
Median household income is $76,983 in Madison and $87,477 in Moreno Valley. Median household income is $10,494/year higher in Moreno Valley.
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 Moreno Valley?
It depends on your priorities. Madison has a cost index of 103 with median rent of $1,364/mo, while Moreno Valley has a cost index of 144 with rent of $2,036/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Madison details → View Moreno Valley details →

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