Side-by-side cost of living comparison for 2026
44% cheaper
Madison is 44% more affordable than San Francisco. A $75,000 salary in San Francisco is equivalent to $41,842 in Madison.
Index values shown. National average = 100. Lower is cheaper.
To maintain the same standard of living:
See exact take-home pay: Wisconsin salaries · California salaries
Housing is typically the biggest factor in any cost-of-living comparison. Madison has a housing index of 115 while San Francisco sits at 327 (national average = 100). The median home in Madison costs $340,000 compared to $1,200,000 in San Francisco, a difference of $860,000. Monthly rent follows a similar pattern: $1,400 in Madison versus $3,400 in San Francisco.
Groceries and everyday expenses show a notable difference: Madison scores 101 while San Francisco scores 112.
Healthcare costs in Madison (105) are lower than San Francisco (113).
Median household income in Madison is $67,565 compared to $119,136 in San Francisco. When adjusted for cost of living, income goes further in Madison.
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