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

Sacramento

California
132
VS

Madison

Wisconsin
103

Sacramento is 28% more expensive than Madison.

$1,694/mo ↑ 24%
Median Rent
$1,364/mo ↓ 19%
$83,753/yr ↑ 9%
Median Income
$76,983/yr ↓ 8%
$484,600 ↑ 40%
Home Value
$346,900 ↓ 28%
$1,752/mo ↑ 19%
Owner Costs
$1,476/mo ↓ 16%
524,802
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

24.3%
rent-to-income
Affordability
21.3%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Sacramento, CA and Madison, WI, the overall cost of living indices are 132 and 103 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $330/month cheaper in Madison, saving renters about $3,960/year.

Median household income is $6,770/year higher in Sacramento. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Sacramento is $484,600 compared to $346,900 in Madison.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Sacramento vs Madison — common questions

Is Sacramento or Madison cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Madison is cheaper to live in with an index of 103 compared to 132 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Sacramento and Madison?
Median rent in Sacramento is $1,694/month and in Madison it's $1,364/month — a difference of $330/month.
Which city has higher income, Sacramento or Madison?
Median household income is $83,753 in Sacramento and $76,983 in Madison. Median household income is $6,770/year higher in Sacramento.
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 Sacramento or Madison?
It depends on your priorities. Sacramento has a cost index of 132 with median rent of $1,694/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 Sacramento details → View Madison details →

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