47
Overall Score /100
Wins 1 of 7 categories
67
Overall Score /100
Wins 3 of 7 categories
Madison wins 3–1
based on 7 categories of official U.S. government data
Madison wins 1–3 overall (67/100)
💰 Madison is more affordable
💼 Madison has lower unemployment
🛡️ Madison has fewer disasters
📋 Los Angeles vs Madison — The Verdict
Madison scores 67.2/100 compared to Los Angeles's 47.5/100, winning 3 out of 7 data categories. On affordability, Madison has a clear edge with home prices 60% lower. Madison has a significantly tighter job market with unemployment at 3.1%. For safety-conscious movers, Madison has a notably lower disaster history with 47 fewer declarations in 20 years. Madison may be the better fit for budget-conscious movers and job seekers.
💡 Key Differences
🏠
Home prices in Madison are 60% lower — a difference of $496,000 in median home value.
💰
Renting in Madison saves you $500/month — that's $6,000 per year.
📊
Madison has a 2.4 percentage point lower unemployment rate, suggesting a stronger job market.
🛡️
Madison has experienced 47 fewer federally declared disasters in the last 20 years, indicating lower overall natural disaster risk.
Median Home Value
$822,600
$326,600
Median Rent /mo
$1,791
$1,291
Median Income
$76,244
$74,895
The affordability gap is significant — Madison offers home prices 60% lower than Los Angeles, translating to $496,000 in savings on a median-priced home. This difference alone could determine which city makes financial sense for your situation.
Unemployment Rate
5.5%
3.1%
Madison has a substantially stronger job market with unemployment 2.4 percentage points lower. If you're relocating without a job lined up, this difference matters.
Air Quality (AQI)
0
65 Moderate
Toxic Facilities (TRI)
0
0
Environmental conditions are broadly similar between the two cities based on current EPA monitoring data.
Max Internet Speed
N/A Mbps
N/A Mbps
Fiber Available
❌ No
❌ No
Solar Potential (kWh/m²/day)
Internet and utility infrastructure data helps assess remote work viability and monthly overhead costs in each city.
Disasters (20 years)
54
7
Madison has a markedly lower disaster history — 47 fewer federal declarations over 20 years. This can translate to lower insurance premiums and less disruption to daily life.
❓ Moving from Los Angeles to Madison: Common Questions
Is Los Angeles or Madison cheaper to live in?
Madison is more affordable overall. Home prices are $496,000 lower in Madison. Monthly rent is $1,291 in Madison vs $1,791 in Los Angeles.
Does Los Angeles or Madison have better weather?
Madison scores higher on climate (50/100 vs 50/100).
Is Los Angeles or Madison better for finding a job?
Madison currently has a stronger job market. Unemployment is 5.5% in Los Angeles vs 3.1% in Madison. Median household income is $76,244 in Los Angeles and $74,895 in Madison.
Which city is safer — Los Angeles or Madison?
In terms of natural disaster risk, Madison is safer. Los Angeles has had 54 federal disaster declarations in 20 years vs 7 in Madison. Los Angeles scores 95/100 on safety vs 95/100 for Madison.
Should I move from Los Angeles to Madison?
Based on our data, Madison scores 67.2/100 vs Los Angeles's 47.5/100 overall. The best choice depends on your priorities — Madison is more affordable, while Madison has a better climate.
Planning to move from Los Angeles to Madison?
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📊 Data: U.S. Census Bureau (ACS), Bureau of Labor Statistics (OEWS), NOAA Climate Normals,
EPA AirNow & TRI, NREL PVWatts, FEMA Disaster Declarations, FCC Broadband Data.
Last updated: April 5, 2026.