Madison vs Rockford for Families (2026)
A family-focused comparison of housing, income, taxes, and overall affordability in Madison, WI vs Rockford, IL.
- 2BR rent: $1,400/mo in Rockford vs $2,200/mo — 36% difference
- More affordable homeownership in Rockford: $175K median vs $360K
- Higher median household income in Madison: $68K/yr vs $47K
Family cost comparison
| Metric | Madison Wisconsin | Rockford Illinois |
|---|---|---|
| 2BR rent/month | $2,200 | $1,400Better |
| Median home price | $360K | $175KBetter |
| Median household income | $68KBetter | $47K |
| Est. childcare/month | $1,261 | $1,066Better |
| State income tax | 7.7% | 5%Better |
| Sales tax (combined) | 5.4%Better | 8.5% |
Frequently asked questions
Which city is better for raising a family — Madison or Rockford?
Based on housing costs, income, and taxes, Rockford scores slightly better for families overall. Rockford has lower 2-bedroom rents, Rockford is more affordable for homebuyers, though both cities have strong family communities.
What is the average 2-bedroom rent in Madison vs Rockford?
As of Q1 2026, median 2BR rent is $2,200/month in Madison and $1,400/month in Rockford. Rockford is 36% cheaper for a 2-bedroom apartment.
Can a family afford to buy a home in Madison or Rockford?
The price-to-income ratio in Madison is 5.3× ($360K home, $68K income) vs 3.7× in Rockford. A ratio below 3× is generally considered affordable. Rockford is more achievable for first-time family homebuyers.
How much does childcare cost in Madison vs Rockford?
Based on cost-of-living indices, estimated childcare (infant/toddler) runs approximately $1,261/month in Madison and $1,066/month in Rockford. These are estimates — actual costs vary by provider and program type.
Which city has lower taxes for families?
Madison has a 7.7% state income tax rate vs Rockford's 5% rate. For a dual-income family earning $120K combined, the difference can mean $162+/month in take-home.
Childcare estimates based on national average scaled by COL index. Data: Zillow, BLS, Numbeo, Tax Foundation · Q1 2026
See full side-by-side comparison
All cost categories including groceries, utilities, and leisure.