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

Madison

Wisconsin
103
VS

Roseville

California
168

Madison is 39% cheaper than Roseville.

$1,364/mo ↓ 35%
Median Rent
$2,099/mo ↑ 54%
$76,983/yr ↓ 34%
Median Income
$117,354/yr ↑ 52%
$346,900 ↓ 45%
Home Value
$630,600 ↑ 82%
$1,476/mo ↓ 34%
Owner Costs
$2,226/mo ↑ 51%
275,568
Population
152,438

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
21.5%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Madison, WI and Roseville, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 103 and 168 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $735/month cheaper in Madison, saving renters about $8,820/year.

Median household income is $40,371/year higher in Roseville. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Madison is $346,900 compared to $630,600 in Roseville.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Madison vs Roseville — common questions

Is Madison or Roseville cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Madison is cheaper to live in with an index of 103 compared to 168 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Madison and Roseville?
Median rent in Madison is $1,364/month and in Roseville it's $2,099/month — a difference of $735/month.
Which city has higher income, Madison or Roseville?
Median household income is $76,983 in Madison and $117,354 in Roseville. Median household income is $40,371/year higher in Roseville.
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 Roseville?
It depends on your priorities. Madison has a cost index of 103 with median rent of $1,364/mo, while Roseville has a cost index of 168 with rent of $2,099/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Madison details → View Roseville details →

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