Home / Select Cities  /  2024 Comparing Madison, WI vs. San Diego, CA

2024 Compare Cities Cost of Living:
Madison, WI vs San Diego, CA

Change Cities
Highlights
Is it cheaper to live in San Diego or is it cheaper to live in Madison?
- San Diego is 49.8% more expensive than Madison.

Which city has more affordable housing, San Diego or Madison?
- San Diego housing costs are 147.0% more expensive than Madison housing costs.

Is Health Care more affordable in Madison or is Health Care more affordable in San Diego.
- Health related expenses are 4.2% less in San Diego.
 Madison, WISan Diego, CAUnited States
 Overall103.4154.9100
 Food & Groceries97.9109.7100
 Health92.989.0100
 Housing112.7278.4100
 Median Home Cost$337,500$833,500$338,100
 Utilities10,750.0%10,280.0%10,000.0%
 Transportation85.8120.2100
 Miscellaneous133.0153.9100

100 = National Average (Below 100 means cheaper than the US average. Above 100 means more expensive.)
DID YOU KNOW?

In order to keep your same standard of living your salary can vary greatly - whether you buy or rent, require child care, or want to include taxes. This is why we are now offering a Premium Salary & Cost of Living Calculator.

Our Premium Calculator Includes:
- Compare Cities cost of living across 9 different categories
- Personal salary calculations can optionally include Home ownership or rental, Child care, and Taxes (with details on state and local sales, income, property and automobile taxes)
- Includes the cost of Child Care for toddlers or infants, at a day care center or home care
- Grocery prices, detailed for 29 staple items in six categories
- Difference in cost of Utilities, including electric, gas and fuel oil
- Health Care Premiums and hospital expenses for major surgeries
- Taxes, Fees and Expenses you should know about, such as local car insurance rates, automobile taxes and registration, commuting costs.
- and 100s of other items you should consider before you relocate

Upgrade to Premium | See Example

View More Data >

Reviews for Madison    78 Reviews

Unfortunately, a number of these reviews are politically based. Madison remains the only shining star in Wisconsin’s economy. The economy is broadly based, with  More

   |    Reply

Have been living in Madison for almost 3 years. It’s very safe, ppl generally friendly and for a town of its size it has fair number of good restaurants and interesting  More

   |    Reply

Lacks balance and zero accountability.   More

   |    Reply

Start Your Review of Madison

Reviews for San Diego    319 Reviews

I have lived in San Diego for more than half my life (I am 30) and love it. It has something for everyone and more from arts, to sporting events, and all cuisine is  More

   |    Reply

The only real knock again San Diego is the cost of living, but it is paradise compared to most cities of similar size. Those who complain about the traffic here or say  More

   |    Reply

I have lived in San Diego since 1968 and I am now almost 62 years old. I love San Diego, I really do. But it has become so crowded and so expensive over the years. It  More

   |    Reply

Start Your Review of San Diego

 Most Recent Searches On Compare Cities
COMPARE COST OF LIVING
Compare Madison, Wisconsin Cost of Living vs San Diego, California Cost of Living: Taxes, Childcare, Groceries, Health...
Compare Now


ZIPS IN MADISON, WISCONSIN
53711, 53704, 53719, 53703, 53705, 53713, 53716, 53714, 53715, 53718, 13 total
ZIPS IN SAN DIEGO, CALIFORNIA
92154, 92126, 92105, 92114, 92115, 92113, 92117, 92129, 92130, 92128, 38 total

PREMIUM SUBSCRIPTION

Includes Cost of Living compares for child care, utilities, transportation, health, taxes, housing for home owners vs renters, weather, insurance premiums and so much more.

Try Now