Santa Ana, CA vs Madison, WI: 163 vs 103

$1,975/mo ↑ 45%

Median Rent

$1,364/mo ↓ 31%

$88,354/yr ↑ 15%

Median Income

$76,983/yr ↓ 13%

$657,800 ↑ 90%

Home Value

$346,900 ↓ 47%

$1,965/mo ↑ 33%

Owner Costs

$1,476/mo ↓ 25%

311,639

Population

275,568

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Santa Ana, CA and Madison, WI, the overall cost of living indices are 163 and 103 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $611/month cheaper in Madison, saving renters about $7,332/year.

Median household income is $11,371/year higher in Santa Ana. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Santa Ana is $657,800 compared to $346,900 in Madison.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Santa Ana vs Madison — common questions

Is Santa Ana or Madison cheaper to live in?

Based on our cost index, Madison is cheaper to live in with an index of 103 compared to 163 (US average = 100).

What is the rent difference between Santa Ana and Madison?

Median rent in Santa Ana is $1,975/month and in Madison it's $1,364/month — a difference of $611/month.

Which city has higher income, Santa Ana or Madison?

Median household income is $88,354 in Santa Ana and $76,983 in Madison. Median household income is $11,371/year higher in Santa Ana.

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 Santa Ana or Madison?

It depends on your priorities. Santa Ana has a cost index of 163 with median rent of $1,975/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.

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

Santa Ana

Madison

Tax Comparison

Affordability

Detailed Comparison

Frequently Asked Questions

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