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

Stockton

California
115
VS

Madison

Wisconsin
103

Stockton is 12% more expensive than Madison.

$1,495/mo ↑ 10%
Median Rent
$1,364/mo ↓ 9%
$76,851/yr ≈ Same
Median Income
$76,983/yr ≈ Same
$412,900 ↑ 19%
Home Value
$346,900 ↓ 16%
$1,555/mo ↑ 5%
Owner Costs
$1,476/mo ↓ 5%
320,470
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

23.3%
rent-to-income
Affordability
21.3%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Stockton, CA and Madison, WI, the overall cost of living indices are 115 and 103 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $131/month cheaper in Madison, saving renters about $1,572/year.

Median household income is $132/year higher in Madison. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Stockton is $412,900 compared to $346,900 in Madison.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Stockton vs Madison — common questions

Is Stockton or Madison cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Madison is cheaper to live in with an index of 103 compared to 115 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Stockton and Madison?
Median rent in Stockton is $1,495/month and in Madison it's $1,364/month — a difference of $131/month.
Which city has higher income, Stockton or Madison?
Median household income is $76,851 in Stockton and $76,983 in Madison. Median household income is $132/year higher in Madison.
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 Stockton or Madison?
It depends on your priorities. Stockton has a cost index of 115 with median rent of $1,495/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 Stockton details → View Madison details →

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