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

Madison

Wisconsin
103
VS

Richmond

California
161

Madison is 36% cheaper than Richmond.

$1,364/mo ↓ 28%
Median Rent
$1,895/mo ↑ 39%
$76,983/yr ↓ 14%
Median Income
$90,038/yr ↑ 17%
$346,900 ↓ 47%
Home Value
$650,100 ↑ 87%
$1,476/mo ↓ 27%
Owner Costs
$2,015/mo ↑ 37%
275,568
Population
115,396

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
25.3%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Madison, WI and Richmond, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 103 and 161 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $531/month cheaper in Madison, saving renters about $6,372/year.

Median household income is $13,055/year higher in Richmond. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Madison is $346,900 compared to $650,100 in Richmond.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Madison vs Richmond — common questions

Is Madison or Richmond cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Madison is cheaper to live in with an index of 103 compared to 161 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Madison and Richmond?
Median rent in Madison is $1,364/month and in Richmond it's $1,895/month — a difference of $531/month.
Which city has higher income, Madison or Richmond?
Median household income is $76,983 in Madison and $90,038 in Richmond. Median household income is $13,055/year higher in Richmond.
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 Richmond?
It depends on your priorities. Madison has a cost index of 103 with median rent of $1,364/mo, while Richmond has a cost index of 161 with rent of $1,895/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Madison details → View Richmond details →

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