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

Madison

Wisconsin
103
VS

San Bernardino

California
109

Madison is 6% cheaper than San Bernardino.

$1,364/mo ↓ 5%
Median Rent
$1,433/mo ↑ 5%
$76,983/yr ↑ 20%
Median Income
$63,988/yr ↓ 17%
$346,900 ↓ 10%
Home Value
$384,900 ↑ 11%
$1,476/mo ≈ Same
Owner Costs
$1,478/mo ≈ Same
275,568
Population
221,774

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
26.9%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Madison, WI and San Bernardino, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 103 and 109 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $69/month cheaper in Madison, saving renters about $828/year.

Median household income is $12,995/year higher in Madison. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Madison is $346,900 compared to $384,900 in San Bernardino.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Madison vs San Bernardino — common questions

Is Madison or San Bernardino cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Madison is cheaper to live in with an index of 103 compared to 109 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Madison and San Bernardino?
Median rent in Madison is $1,364/month and in San Bernardino it's $1,433/month — a difference of $69/month.
Which city has higher income, Madison or San Bernardino?
Median household income is $76,983 in Madison and $63,988 in San Bernardino. Median household income is $12,995/year higher in Madison.
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 San Bernardino?
It depends on your priorities. Madison has a cost index of 103 with median rent of $1,364/mo, while San Bernardino has a cost index of 109 with rent of $1,433/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Madison details → View San Bernardino details →

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