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

Madison

Wisconsin
103
VS

Sunnyvale

California
341

Madison is 70% cheaper than Sunnyvale.

$1,364/mo ↓ 55%
Median Rent
$3,065/mo ↑ 125%
$76,983/yr ↓ 58%
Median Income
$181,862/yr ↑ 136%
$346,900 ↓ 81%
Home Value
$1,816,600 ↑ 424%
$1,476/mo ↓ 51%
Owner Costs
$3,016/mo ↑ 104%
275,568
Population
153,455

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
20.2%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Madison, WI and Sunnyvale, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 103 and 341 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $1,701/month cheaper in Madison, saving renters about $20,412/year.

Median household income is $104,879/year higher in Sunnyvale. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Madison is $346,900 compared to $1,816,600 in Sunnyvale.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Madison vs Sunnyvale — common questions

Is Madison or Sunnyvale cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Madison is cheaper to live in with an index of 103 compared to 341 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Madison and Sunnyvale?
Median rent in Madison is $1,364/month and in Sunnyvale it's $3,065/month — a difference of $1,701/month.
Which city has higher income, Madison or Sunnyvale?
Median household income is $76,983 in Madison and $181,862 in Sunnyvale. Median household income is $104,879/year higher in Sunnyvale.
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 Sunnyvale?
It depends on your priorities. Madison has a cost index of 103 with median rent of $1,364/mo, while Sunnyvale has a cost index of 341 with rent of $3,065/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Madison details → View Sunnyvale details →

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