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

Madison

Wisconsin
103
VS

Simi Valley

California
200

Madison is 48% cheaper than Simi Valley.

$1,364/mo ↓ 46%
Median Rent
$2,513/mo ↑ 84%
$76,983/yr ↓ 35%
Median Income
$117,703/yr ↑ 53%
$346,900 ↓ 54%
Home Value
$753,500 ↑ 117%
$1,476/mo ↓ 43%
Owner Costs
$2,576/mo ↑ 75%
275,568
Population
125,769

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
25.6%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Madison, WI and Simi Valley, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 103 and 200 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $1,149/month cheaper in Madison, saving renters about $13,788/year.

Median household income is $40,720/year higher in Simi Valley. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Madison is $346,900 compared to $753,500 in Simi Valley.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Madison vs Simi Valley — common questions

Is Madison or Simi Valley cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Madison is cheaper to live in with an index of 103 compared to 200 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Madison and Simi Valley?
Median rent in Madison is $1,364/month and in Simi Valley it's $2,513/month — a difference of $1,149/month.
Which city has higher income, Madison or Simi Valley?
Median household income is $76,983 in Madison and $117,703 in Simi Valley. Median household income is $40,720/year higher in Simi Valley.
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 Simi Valley?
It depends on your priorities. Madison has a cost index of 103 with median rent of $1,364/mo, while Simi Valley has a cost index of 200 with rent of $2,513/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Madison details → View Simi Valley details →

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