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

Madison

Wisconsin
103
VS

Pomona

California
143

Madison is 28% cheaper than Pomona.

$1,364/mo ↓ 22%
Median Rent
$1,738/mo ↑ 27%
$76,983/yr ↓ 2%
Median Income
$78,869/yr ↑ 2%
$346,900 ↓ 39%
Home Value
$569,600 ↑ 64%
$1,476/mo ↓ 16%
Owner Costs
$1,758/mo ↑ 19%
275,568
Population
148,391

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
26.4%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Madison, WI and Pomona, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 103 and 143 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $374/month cheaper in Madison, saving renters about $4,488/year.

Median household income is $1,886/year higher in Pomona. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Madison is $346,900 compared to $569,600 in Pomona.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Madison vs Pomona — common questions

Is Madison or Pomona cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Madison is cheaper to live in with an index of 103 compared to 143 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Madison and Pomona?
Median rent in Madison is $1,364/month and in Pomona it's $1,738/month — a difference of $374/month.
Which city has higher income, Madison or Pomona?
Median household income is $76,983 in Madison and $78,869 in Pomona. Median household income is $1,886/year higher in Pomona.
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 Pomona?
It depends on your priorities. Madison has a cost index of 103 with median rent of $1,364/mo, while Pomona has a cost index of 143 with rent of $1,738/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Madison details → View Pomona details →

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