Fort Collins vs Madison for Families (2026)
Scroll down for childcare estimates, home price-to-income ratios, and FAQ.
Full family cost breakdown
| Metric | Fort Collins Colorado | Madison Wisconsin |
|---|---|---|
| Studio rent / month | $1,350 | $1,300Better |
| 2BR rent / month | $2,250 | $2,200Better |
| Median home price | $520K | $360KBetter |
| Median household income | $72KBetter | $68K |
| Est. childcare / month | $1,287 | $1,261Better |
| State income tax | 4.4%Better | 7.7% |
| Sales tax (combined) | 7.5% | 5.4%Better |
| Monthly utilities | $140Better | $162 |
| Groceries index (US = 100) | 101Better | 101 |
Frequently asked questions
Which city is better for raising a family — Fort Collins or Madison?
Fort Collins and Madison are closely matched for families overall. Housing costs, income levels, and taxes are comparable. Your specific priorities — school quality, commute, outdoor space — should drive the decision.
What is the average 2-bedroom rent in Fort Collins vs Madison?
As of Q1 2026, median 2BR rent is $2,250/month in Fort Collins and $2,200/month in Madison. Madison is 2% cheaper for a family-sized apartment.
Can a family afford to buy a home in Fort Collins or Madison?
The price-to-income ratio in Fort Collins is 7.2× ($520K median home, $72K median income). In Madison it's 5.3× ($360K home, $68K income). A ratio below 3× is generally considered affordable — Madison is more achievable for first-time family homebuyers.
How much does childcare cost in Fort Collins vs Madison?
Estimated infant/toddler childcare runs approximately $1,287/month in Fort Collins and $1,261/month in Madison, based on national averages scaled by each city's cost-of-living index. Annual childcare cost difference: ~$312/year.
Which city has lower taxes for families?
Fort Collins has a 4.4% state income tax rate vs Madison's 7.7% rate. For a dual-income family earning $120K combined, that difference is roughly $330/month in take-home pay.
$100K in Fort Collins has the same purchasing power as $98K in Madison
Childcare estimates based on national avg scaled by COL index · Data: Zillow, BLS, Numbeo, Tax Foundation · Q1 2026