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

Madison

Wisconsin
103
VS

Torrance

California
218

Madison is 53% cheaper than Torrance.

$1,364/mo ↓ 38%
Median Rent
$2,214/mo ↑ 62%
$76,983/yr ↓ 32%
Median Income
$113,105/yr ↑ 47%
$346,900 ↓ 67%
Home Value
$1,036,600 ↑ 199%
$1,476/mo ↓ 36%
Owner Costs
$2,295/mo ↑ 55%
275,568
Population
143,499

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
23.5%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Madison, WI and Torrance, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 103 and 218 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $850/month cheaper in Madison, saving renters about $10,200/year.

Median household income is $36,122/year higher in Torrance. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Madison is $346,900 compared to $1,036,600 in Torrance.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Madison vs Torrance — common questions

Is Madison or Torrance cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Madison is cheaper to live in with an index of 103 compared to 218 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Madison and Torrance?
Median rent in Madison is $1,364/month and in Torrance it's $2,214/month — a difference of $850/month.
Which city has higher income, Madison or Torrance?
Median household income is $76,983 in Madison and $113,105 in Torrance. Median household income is $36,122/year higher in Torrance.
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 Torrance?
It depends on your priorities. Madison has a cost index of 103 with median rent of $1,364/mo, while Torrance has a cost index of 218 with rent of $2,214/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Madison details → View Torrance details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Madison and Torrance

Madison vs. Buffalo Madison vs. Chula Vista Madison vs. Chandler Madison vs. Gilbert Madison vs. Plano Madison vs. North Las Vegas Torrance vs. Gainesville Torrance vs. Thornton Torrance vs. Olathe Torrance vs. Visalia Torrance vs. McAllen Torrance vs. Waco