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

Madison

Wisconsin
103
VS

Oceanside

California
179

Madison is 42% cheaper than Oceanside.

$1,364/mo ↓ 38%
Median Rent
$2,207/mo ↑ 62%
$76,983/yr ↓ 18%
Median Income
$93,724/yr ↑ 22%
$346,900 ↓ 51%
Home Value
$702,000 ↑ 102%
$1,476/mo ↓ 34%
Owner Costs
$2,232/mo ↑ 51%
275,568
Population
172,542

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
28.3%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Madison, WI and Oceanside, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 103 and 179 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $843/month cheaper in Madison, saving renters about $10,116/year.

Median household income is $16,741/year higher in Oceanside. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Madison is $346,900 compared to $702,000 in Oceanside.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Madison vs Oceanside — common questions

Is Madison or Oceanside cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Madison is cheaper to live in with an index of 103 compared to 179 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Madison and Oceanside?
Median rent in Madison is $1,364/month and in Oceanside it's $2,207/month — a difference of $843/month.
Which city has higher income, Madison or Oceanside?
Median household income is $76,983 in Madison and $93,724 in Oceanside. Median household income is $16,741/year higher in Oceanside.
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 Oceanside?
It depends on your priorities. Madison has a cost index of 103 with median rent of $1,364/mo, while Oceanside has a cost index of 179 with rent of $2,207/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Madison details → View Oceanside details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Madison and Oceanside

Madison vs. Buffalo Madison vs. Chula Vista Madison vs. Chandler Madison vs. Gilbert Madison vs. Plano Madison vs. North Las Vegas Oceanside vs. Rancho Cucamonga Oceanside vs. Clarksville Oceanside vs. Salem Oceanside vs. Garden Grove Oceanside vs. Cary Oceanside vs. Pembroke Pines