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

Madison

Wisconsin
103
VS

Oxnard

California
159

Madison is 35% cheaper than Oxnard.

$1,364/mo ↓ 30%
Median Rent
$1,962/mo ↑ 44%
$76,983/yr ↓ 18%
Median Income
$93,372/yr ↑ 21%
$346,900 ↓ 44%
Home Value
$617,800 ↑ 78%
$1,476/mo ↓ 25%
Owner Costs
$1,976/mo ↑ 34%
275,568
Population
201,014

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
25.2%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Madison, WI and Oxnard, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 103 and 159 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $598/month cheaper in Madison, saving renters about $7,176/year.

Median household income is $16,389/year higher in Oxnard. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Madison is $346,900 compared to $617,800 in Oxnard.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Madison vs Oxnard — common questions

Is Madison or Oxnard cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Madison is cheaper to live in with an index of 103 compared to 159 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Madison and Oxnard?
Median rent in Madison is $1,364/month and in Oxnard it's $1,962/month — a difference of $598/month.
Which city has higher income, Madison or Oxnard?
Median household income is $76,983 in Madison and $93,372 in Oxnard. Median household income is $16,389/year higher in Oxnard.
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 Oxnard?
It depends on your priorities. Madison has a cost index of 103 with median rent of $1,364/mo, while Oxnard has a cost index of 159 with rent of $1,962/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Madison details → View Oxnard details →

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