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

Madison

Wisconsin
103
VS

Santa Clarita

California
197

Madison is 48% cheaper than Santa Clarita.

$1,364/mo ↓ 45%
Median Rent
$2,486/mo ↑ 82%
$76,983/yr ↓ 36%
Median Income
$119,926/yr ↑ 56%
$346,900 ↓ 52%
Home Value
$721,000 ↑ 108%
$1,476/mo ↓ 44%
Owner Costs
$2,649/mo ↑ 79%
275,568
Population
229,021

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
24.9%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Madison, WI and Santa Clarita, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 103 and 197 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $1,122/month cheaper in Madison, saving renters about $13,464/year.

Median household income is $42,943/year higher in Santa Clarita. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Madison is $346,900 compared to $721,000 in Santa Clarita.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Madison vs Santa Clarita — common questions

Is Madison or Santa Clarita cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Madison is cheaper to live in with an index of 103 compared to 197 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Madison and Santa Clarita?
Median rent in Madison is $1,364/month and in Santa Clarita it's $2,486/month — a difference of $1,122/month.
Which city has higher income, Madison or Santa Clarita?
Median household income is $76,983 in Madison and $119,926 in Santa Clarita. Median household income is $42,943/year higher in Santa Clarita.
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 Clarita?
It depends on your priorities. Madison has a cost index of 103 with median rent of $1,364/mo, while Santa Clarita has a cost index of 197 with rent of $2,486/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Madison details → View Santa Clarita details →

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