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

Madison

Wisconsin
103
VS

Santa Clara

California
307

Madison is 66% cheaper than Santa Clara.

$1,364/mo ↓ 54%
Median Rent
$2,985/mo ↑ 119%
$76,983/yr ↓ 56%
Median Income
$173,670/yr ↑ 126%
$346,900 ↓ 77%
Home Value
$1,527,900 ↑ 340%
$1,476/mo ↓ 52%
Owner Costs
$3,051/mo ↑ 107%
275,568
Population
129,239

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
20.6%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Madison, WI and Santa Clara, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 103 and 307 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $1,621/month cheaper in Madison, saving renters about $19,452/year.

Median household income is $96,687/year higher in Santa Clara. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Madison is $346,900 compared to $1,527,900 in Santa Clara.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Madison vs Santa Clara — common questions

Is Madison or Santa Clara cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Madison is cheaper to live in with an index of 103 compared to 307 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Madison and Santa Clara?
Median rent in Madison is $1,364/month and in Santa Clara it's $2,985/month — a difference of $1,621/month.
Which city has higher income, Madison or Santa Clara?
Median household income is $76,983 in Madison and $173,670 in Santa Clara. Median household income is $96,687/year higher in Santa Clara.
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 Santa Clara?
It depends on your priorities. Madison has a cost index of 103 with median rent of $1,364/mo, while Santa Clara has a cost index of 307 with rent of $2,985/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Madison details → View Santa Clara details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Madison and Santa Clara

Madison vs. Buffalo Madison vs. Chula Vista Madison vs. Chandler Madison vs. Gilbert Madison vs. Plano Madison vs. North Las Vegas Santa Clara vs. Carrollton Santa Clara vs. Fargo Santa Clara vs. New Haven Santa Clara vs. Norman Santa Clara vs. Sterling Heights Santa Clara vs. Lewisville