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

Madison

Wisconsin
103
VS

Temecula

California
179

Madison is 42% cheaper than Temecula.

$1,364/mo ↓ 41%
Median Rent
$2,297/mo ↑ 68%
$76,983/yr ↓ 35%
Median Income
$117,840/yr ↑ 53%
$346,900 ↓ 46%
Home Value
$640,400 ↑ 85%
$1,476/mo ↓ 39%
Owner Costs
$2,435/mo ↑ 65%
275,568
Population
110,404

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
23.4%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Madison, WI and Temecula, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 103 and 179 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $933/month cheaper in Madison, saving renters about $11,196/year.

Median household income is $40,857/year higher in Temecula. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Madison is $346,900 compared to $640,400 in Temecula.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Madison vs Temecula — common questions

Is Madison or Temecula cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Madison is cheaper to live in with an index of 103 compared to 179 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Madison and Temecula?
Median rent in Madison is $1,364/month and in Temecula it's $2,297/month — a difference of $933/month.
Which city has higher income, Madison or Temecula?
Median household income is $76,983 in Madison and $117,840 in Temecula. Median household income is $40,857/year higher in Temecula.
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 Temecula?
It depends on your priorities. Madison has a cost index of 103 with median rent of $1,364/mo, while Temecula has a cost index of 179 with rent of $2,297/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Madison details → View Temecula details →

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