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

Madison

Wisconsin
103
VS

Thousand Oaks

California
226

Madison is 54% cheaper than Thousand Oaks.

$1,364/mo ↓ 47%
Median Rent
$2,580/mo ↑ 89%
$76,983/yr ↓ 43%
Median Income
$134,367/yr ↑ 75%
$346,900 ↓ 64%
Home Value
$951,200 ↑ 174%
$1,476/mo ↓ 46%
Owner Costs
$2,726/mo ↑ 85%
275,568
Population
125,676

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
23.0%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Madison, WI and Thousand Oaks, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 103 and 226 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $1,216/month cheaper in Madison, saving renters about $14,592/year.

Median household income is $57,384/year higher in Thousand Oaks. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Madison is $346,900 compared to $951,200 in Thousand Oaks.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Madison vs Thousand Oaks — common questions

Is Madison or Thousand Oaks cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Madison is cheaper to live in with an index of 103 compared to 226 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Madison and Thousand Oaks?
Median rent in Madison is $1,364/month and in Thousand Oaks it's $2,580/month — a difference of $1,216/month.
Which city has higher income, Madison or Thousand Oaks?
Median household income is $76,983 in Madison and $134,367 in Thousand Oaks. Median household income is $57,384/year higher in Thousand Oaks.
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 Thousand Oaks?
It depends on your priorities. Madison has a cost index of 103 with median rent of $1,364/mo, while Thousand Oaks has a cost index of 226 with rent of $2,580/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Madison details → View Thousand Oaks details →

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