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

Madison

Wisconsin
103
VS

Ontario

California
152

Madison is 32% cheaper than Ontario.

$1,364/mo ↓ 29%
Median Rent
$1,916/mo ↑ 40%
$76,983/yr ↓ 7%
Median Income
$82,806/yr ↑ 8%
$346,900 ↓ 39%
Home Value
$568,000 ↑ 64%
$1,476/mo ↓ 25%
Owner Costs
$1,967/mo ↑ 33%
275,568
Population
178,347

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
27.8%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Madison, WI and Ontario, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 103 and 152 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $552/month cheaper in Madison, saving renters about $6,624/year.

Median household income is $5,823/year higher in Ontario. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Madison is $346,900 compared to $568,000 in Ontario.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Madison vs Ontario — common questions

Is Madison or Ontario cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Madison is cheaper to live in with an index of 103 compared to 152 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Madison and Ontario?
Median rent in Madison is $1,364/month and in Ontario it's $1,916/month — a difference of $552/month.
Which city has higher income, Madison or Ontario?
Median household income is $76,983 in Madison and $82,806 in Ontario. Median household income is $5,823/year higher in Ontario.
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 Ontario?
It depends on your priorities. Madison has a cost index of 103 with median rent of $1,364/mo, while Ontario has a cost index of 152 with rent of $1,916/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Madison details → View Ontario details →

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