Cost of Living: Madison vs San Diego (2026)
Madison has a 34% lower overall cost of living than San Diego as of Q1 2026. A one-bedroom apartment runs $1,650/mo in Madison vs $2,600/mo in San Diego — a 37% difference. Madison has a lower state income tax rate (7.7% vs 9.3%), which adds up over time.
- Madison is 34% cheaper overall (COL index: 97 vs 148)
- 1BR rent: $1,650/mo in Madison vs $2,600/mo — 37% savings
- Higher median household income: San Diego ($88,000/yr vs $68,000/yr)
- Median home price: $360,000 in Madison vs $850,000 — 58% difference
| Category | Madison Wisconsin | San Diego California |
|---|---|---|
| 🏠 HousingQ1 2026 | ||
| Studio rent/mo | $1,300Best | $2,100 |
| 1BR rent/mo | $1,650Best | $2,600 |
| 2BR rent/mo | $2,200Best | $3,500 |
| Median home price | $360KBest | $850K |
| 🛒 Food & GroceriesQ1 2026 | ||
| Groceries index (100 = US avg) | 101Best | 109 |
| Budget meal (1 person) | $14Best | $18 |
| Mid-range dinner (2) | $58Best | $75 |
| 🚌 TransportationQ1 2026 | ||
| Monthly transit pass/mo | $62Best | $100 |
| Gas price/gal | $3.20Best | $4.40 |
| Car insurance/mo | $145Best | $165 |
| ⚡ UtilitiesQ1 2026 | ||
| Monthly utilities bundle/mo | $162 | $130Best |
| Internet/mo | $63Best | $65 |
| 💰 Income & TaxesQ1 2026 | ||
| Median household income/yr | $68K | $88KBest |
| State income tax% | 7.7%Best | 9.3% |
| Sales tax (combined)% | 5.4%Best | 7.8% |
| 🎬 LeisureQ1 2026 | ||
| Movie ticket | $15.00Best | $17.00 |
| Gym membership/mo | $42Best | $55 |
| Beer at restaurant | $6.50Best | $8.00 |
| 📊 OverviewQ1 2026 | ||
| Overall COL index (100 = US avg) | 97Best | 148 |
| Walk score / 100 | 55Best | 51 |
Frequently asked questions
Is Madison cheaper than San Diego?
Yes. Madison is 34% cheaper than San Diego based on overall cost of living indices (97 vs 148, where 100 = US average).
What is the average rent in Madison vs San Diego?
As of Q1 2026, the median 1-bedroom rent in Madison is $1,650/month and in San Diego is $2,600/month. Madison is cheaper by 37%.
How much do I need to earn in San Diego to match a $75,000 salary in Madison?
To maintain a similar lifestyle, you would need approximately $114,433/year in San Diego to match a $75,000 salary in Madison. This estimate is based on overall cost of living indices and does not account for individual spending patterns.
Which city has lower taxes — Madison or San Diego?
Madison has the lower state income tax rate at 7.7% vs 9.3%. The difference is 1.6 percentage points. Note that sales tax and local taxes also vary — see the full breakdown in the table above.
Is it worth moving from Madison to San Diego?
It depends on your priorities. Madison offers lower overall costs, but both cities have different job markets, weather, and lifestyle trade-offs. Use the comparison table above to evaluate rent, groceries, transportation, and income potential side by side based on your specific budget.
Data sourced from Zillow, BLS, Numbeo, Tax Foundation, and US Census ACS · Updated Q1 2026 · For general guidance only
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