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

Riverside

California
144
VS

Madison

Wisconsin
103

Riverside is 40% more expensive than Madison.

$1,812/mo ↑ 33%
Median Rent
$1,364/mo ↓ 25%
$88,575/yr ↑ 15%
Median Income
$76,983/yr ↓ 13%
$542,100 ↑ 56%
Home Value
$346,900 ↓ 36%
$1,880/mo ↑ 27%
Owner Costs
$1,476/mo ↓ 21%
316,241
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

24.5%
rent-to-income
Affordability
21.3%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Riverside, CA and Madison, WI, the overall cost of living indices are 144 and 103 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $448/month cheaper in Madison, saving renters about $5,376/year.

Median household income is $11,592/year higher in Riverside. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Riverside is $542,100 compared to $346,900 in Madison.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Riverside vs Madison — common questions

Is Riverside or Madison cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Madison is cheaper to live in with an index of 103 compared to 144 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Riverside and Madison?
Median rent in Riverside is $1,812/month and in Madison it's $1,364/month — a difference of $448/month.
Which city has higher income, Riverside or Madison?
Median household income is $88,575 in Riverside and $76,983 in Madison. Median household income is $11,592/year higher in Riverside.
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 Riverside or Madison?
It depends on your priorities. Riverside has a cost index of 144 with median rent of $1,812/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 Riverside details → View Madison details →

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