Madison is 14% cheaperBased on official 2024 price levels from the U.S. Bureau of Economic Analysis.
I need in San Jose to live the same way.
🏠 Rent per month
$1,723
$3,046
🛏️ 2-bedroom rent
$1,628
$2,897
💵 Families earn per year
$84,177
$157,922
🔑 Buying a house
$372,900
$1,233,200
📊 Overall prices (U.S. = 100)
97.3
110.4
🏛️ Property tax per year
$6,541
$9,393
⚡ Electric bill per month
$120
$168
👥 People living there
278,001
990,138
Commute to work
19.4 min
27.3 min
College degree
59.9%
47.3%
Own their home
46%
55.8%
Below poverty line
16.4%
8.1%
Unemployment
2.7%
5.1%
Bottom line
- Pick Madison for lower rent, cheaper 2-bedroom apartments, cheaper homes and 3 more.
- Pick San Jose for higher incomes, less poverty.
Pay for the same job
| Job | Madison | San Jose | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Firefighter | $56,430 | $152,100 | +170% in San Jose |
| Lawyer | $124,130 | $301,320 | +143% in San Jose |
| Registered Nurse | $101,190 | $216,740 | +114% in San Jose |
| Market Research Analyst | $67,990 | $141,960 | +109% in San Jose |
| Nurse Practitioner | $133,080 | $231,560 | +74% in San Jose |
| Police Officer | $80,580 | $136,140 | +69% in San Jose |
| Physician Assistant | $133,950 | $223,640 | +67% in San Jose |
| Software Developer | $130,630 | $213,110 | +63% in San Jose |
Frequently asked questions
Is Madison or San Jose cheaper to live in?
Madison is about 14% cheaper overall. Rent is $1,723 a month there versus $3,046 in San Jose.
What salary do I need in San Jose to match $60,000 in Madison?
About $68,101 a year gives the same standard of living in San Jose.
Where do people earn more, Madison or San Jose?
The typical household earns $84,177 in Madison and $157,922 in San Jose, 47% more in San Jose.