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

Oakland

California
195
VS

Madison

Wisconsin
103

Oakland is 89% more expensive than Madison.

$1,917/mo ↑ 41%
Median Rent
$1,364/mo ↓ 29%
$97,369/yr ↑ 26%
Median Income
$76,983/yr ↓ 21%
$924,700 ↑ 167%
Home Value
$346,900 ↓ 62%
$2,164/mo ↑ 47%
Owner Costs
$1,476/mo ↓ 32%
438,072
Population
275,568

Tax Comparison

13.3%
Income Tax
7.65%
7.25%
State Sales Tax
5.0%
0.71%
Property Tax
1.61%

Affordability

23.6%
rent-to-income
Affordability
21.3%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Oakland, CA and Madison, WI, the overall cost of living indices are 195 and 103 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $553/month cheaper in Madison, saving renters about $6,636/year.

Median household income is $20,386/year higher in Oakland. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Oakland is $924,700 compared to $346,900 in Madison.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Oakland vs Madison — common questions

Is Oakland or Madison cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Madison is cheaper to live in with an index of 103 compared to 195 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Oakland and Madison?
Median rent in Oakland is $1,917/month and in Madison it's $1,364/month — a difference of $553/month.
Which city has higher income, Oakland or Madison?
Median household income is $97,369 in Oakland and $76,983 in Madison. Median household income is $20,386/year higher in Oakland.
How do taxes compare between California and Wisconsin?
California has 13.3% income tax, 7.25% sales tax, and 0.71% property tax. Wisconsin has 7.65% income tax, 5.0% sales tax, and 1.61% property tax.
Should I move to Oakland or Madison?
It depends on your priorities. Oakland has a cost index of 195 with median rent of $1,917/mo, while Madison has a cost index of 103 with rent of $1,364/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Oakland details → View Madison details →

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