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

Madison

Wisconsin
103
VS

Rancho Cucamonga

California
182

Madison is 43% cheaper than Rancho Cucamonga.

$1,364/mo ↓ 40%
Median Rent
$2,286/mo ↑ 68%
$76,983/yr ↓ 30%
Median Income
$109,511/yr ↑ 42%
$346,900 ↓ 50%
Home Value
$694,400 ↑ 100%
$1,476/mo ↓ 36%
Owner Costs
$2,324/mo ↑ 57%
275,568
Population
174,693

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
25.0%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Madison, WI and Rancho Cucamonga, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 103 and 182 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $922/month cheaper in Madison, saving renters about $11,064/year.

Median household income is $32,528/year higher in Rancho Cucamonga. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Madison is $346,900 compared to $694,400 in Rancho Cucamonga.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Madison vs Rancho Cucamonga — common questions

Is Madison or Rancho Cucamonga cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Madison is cheaper to live in with an index of 103 compared to 182 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Madison and Rancho Cucamonga?
Median rent in Madison is $1,364/month and in Rancho Cucamonga it's $2,286/month — a difference of $922/month.
Which city has higher income, Madison or Rancho Cucamonga?
Median household income is $76,983 in Madison and $109,511 in Rancho Cucamonga. Median household income is $32,528/year higher in Rancho Cucamonga.
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 Rancho Cucamonga?
It depends on your priorities. Madison has a cost index of 103 with median rent of $1,364/mo, while Rancho Cucamonga has a cost index of 182 with rent of $2,286/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Madison details → View Rancho Cucamonga details →

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