Madison vs Philadelphia for Families (2026)
Scroll down for childcare estimates, home price-to-income ratios, and FAQ.
Full family cost breakdown
| Metric | Madison Wisconsin | Philadelphia Pennsylvania |
|---|---|---|
| Studio rent / month | $1,300Better | $1,600 |
| 2BR rent / month | $2,200Better | $2,600 |
| Median home price | $360K | $290KBetter |
| Median household income | $68KBetter | $55K |
| Est. childcare / month | $1,261Better | $1,391 |
| State income tax | 7.7% | 3.1%Better |
| Sales tax (combined) | 5.4%Better | 8% |
| Monthly utilities | $162 | $160Better |
| Groceries index (US = 100) | 101Better | 103 |
Frequently asked questions
Which city is better for raising a family — Madison or Philadelphia?
Madison and Philadelphia 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 Madison vs Philadelphia?
As of Q1 2026, median 2BR rent is $2,200/month in Madison and $2,600/month in Philadelphia. Madison is 15% cheaper for a family-sized apartment.
Can a family afford to buy a home in Madison or Philadelphia?
The price-to-income ratio in Madison is 5.3× ($360K median home, $68K median income). In Philadelphia it's 5.3× ($290K home, $55K income). A ratio below 3× is generally considered affordable — Philadelphia is more achievable for first-time family homebuyers.
How much does childcare cost in Madison vs Philadelphia?
Estimated infant/toddler childcare runs approximately $1,261/month in Madison and $1,391/month in Philadelphia, based on national averages scaled by each city's cost-of-living index. Annual childcare cost difference: ~$1,560/year.
Which city has lower taxes for families?
Madison has a 7.7% state income tax rate vs Philadelphia's 3.1% rate. For a dual-income family earning $120K combined, that difference is roughly $460/month in take-home pay.
$100K in Madison has the same purchasing power as $110K in Philadelphia
Childcare estimates based on national avg scaled by COL index · Data: Zillow, BLS, Numbeo, Tax Foundation · Q1 2026