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

Madison

Wisconsin
103
VS

Visalia

California
104

Madison and Visalia have a similar cost of living.

$1,364/mo ↓ 2%
Median Rent
$1,397/mo ↑ 2%
$76,983/yr ↓ 4%
Median Income
$79,952/yr ↑ 4%
$346,900 ↑ 2%
Home Value
$340,600 ↓ 2%
$1,476/mo ↓ 2%
Owner Costs
$1,509/mo ↑ 2%
275,568
Population
142,649

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
21.0%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Madison, WI and Visalia, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 103 and 104 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is comparable in both cities, with less than $50/month separating them.

Median household income is $2,969/year higher in Visalia. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Madison is $346,900 compared to $340,600 in Visalia.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Madison vs Visalia — common questions

Is Madison or Visalia cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Madison is cheaper to live in with an index of 103 compared to 104 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Madison and Visalia?
Median rent in Madison is $1,364/month and in Visalia it's $1,397/month — a difference of $33/month.
Which city has higher income, Madison or Visalia?
Median household income is $76,983 in Madison and $79,952 in Visalia. Median household income is $2,969/year higher in Visalia.
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 Visalia?
It depends on your priorities. Madison has a cost index of 103 with median rent of $1,364/mo, while Visalia has a cost index of 104 with rent of $1,397/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Madison details → View Visalia details →

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