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

Madison

Wisconsin
103
VS

Orange

California
206

Madison is 50% cheaper than Orange.

$1,364/mo ↓ 39%
Median Rent
$2,252/mo ↑ 65%
$76,983/yr ↓ 34%
Median Income
$116,945/yr ↑ 52%
$346,900 ↓ 61%
Home Value
$900,700 ↑ 160%
$1,476/mo ↓ 38%
Owner Costs
$2,394/mo ↑ 62%
275,568
Population
138,723

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
23.1%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Madison, WI and Orange, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 103 and 206 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $888/month cheaper in Madison, saving renters about $10,656/year.

Median household income is $39,962/year higher in Orange. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Madison is $346,900 compared to $900,700 in Orange.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Madison vs Orange — common questions

Is Madison or Orange cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Madison is cheaper to live in with an index of 103 compared to 206 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Madison and Orange?
Median rent in Madison is $1,364/month and in Orange it's $2,252/month — a difference of $888/month.
Which city has higher income, Madison or Orange?
Median household income is $76,983 in Madison and $116,945 in Orange. Median household income is $39,962/year higher in Orange.
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 Orange?
It depends on your priorities. Madison has a cost index of 103 with median rent of $1,364/mo, while Orange has a cost index of 206 with rent of $2,252/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Madison details → View Orange details →

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