Side-by-side cost of living comparison for 2026
5% cheaper
Madison is 5% more affordable than Modesto. A $75,000 salary in Modesto is equivalent to $70,982 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 Modesto sits at 121 (national average = 100). The median home in Madison costs $340,000 compared to $380,000 in Modesto, a difference of $40,000. Monthly rent follows a similar pattern: $1,400 in Madison versus $1,400 in Modesto.
Groceries and everyday expenses show a narrower gap: Madison scores 101 while Modesto scores 100. Both cities are close to the national average for grocery costs.
Healthcare costs in Madison (105) are higher than Modesto (100). Both are close to the national average.
Median household income in Madison is $67,565 compared to $55,138 in Modesto. When adjusted for cost of living, income goes further in Madison.
Amazon affiliate links