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

Madison

Wisconsin
103
VS

Pasadena

California
220

Madison is 53% cheaper than Pasadena.

$1,364/mo ↓ 39%
Median Rent
$2,218/mo ↑ 63%
$76,983/yr ↓ 26%
Median Income
$103,778/yr ↑ 35%
$346,900 ↓ 67%
Home Value
$1,045,000 ↑ 201%
$1,476/mo ↓ 37%
Owner Costs
$2,340/mo ↑ 59%
275,568
Population
136,462

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
25.6%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Madison, WI and Pasadena, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 103 and 220 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $854/month cheaper in Madison, saving renters about $10,248/year.

Median household income is $26,795/year higher in Pasadena. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Madison is $346,900 compared to $1,045,000 in Pasadena.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Madison vs Pasadena — common questions

Is Madison or Pasadena cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Madison is cheaper to live in with an index of 103 compared to 220 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Madison and Pasadena?
Median rent in Madison is $1,364/month and in Pasadena it's $2,218/month — a difference of $854/month.
Which city has higher income, Madison or Pasadena?
Median household income is $76,983 in Madison and $103,778 in Pasadena. Median household income is $26,795/year higher in Pasadena.
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 Pasadena?
It depends on your priorities. Madison has a cost index of 103 with median rent of $1,364/mo, while Pasadena has a cost index of 220 with rent of $2,218/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Madison details → View Pasadena details →

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