Philadelphia vs Madison for Families (2026)
A family-focused comparison of housing, income, taxes, and overall affordability in Philadelphia, PA vs Madison, WI.
- 2BR rent: $2,200/mo in Madison vs $2,600/mo — 15% difference
- More affordable homeownership in Philadelphia: $290K median vs $360K
- Higher median household income in Madison: $68K/yr vs $55K
Family cost comparison
| Metric | Philadelphia Pennsylvania | Madison Wisconsin |
|---|---|---|
| 2BR rent/month | $2,600 | $2,200Better |
| Median home price | $290KBetter | $360K |
| Median household income | $55K | $68KBetter |
| Est. childcare/month | $1,391 | $1,261Better |
| State income tax | 3.1%Better | 7.7% |
| Sales tax (combined) | 8% | 5.4%Better |
Frequently asked questions
Which city is better for raising a family — Philadelphia or Madison?
Based on housing costs, income, and taxes, Madison scores slightly better for families overall. Madison has lower 2-bedroom rents, Philadelphia is more affordable for homebuyers, though both cities have strong family communities.
What is the average 2-bedroom rent in Philadelphia vs Madison?
As of Q1 2026, median 2BR rent is $2,600/month in Philadelphia and $2,200/month in Madison. Madison is 15% cheaper for a 2-bedroom apartment.
Can a family afford to buy a home in Philadelphia or Madison?
The price-to-income ratio in Philadelphia is 5.3× ($290K home, $55K income) vs 5.3× in Madison. A ratio below 3× is generally considered affordable. Philadelphia is more achievable for first-time family homebuyers.
How much does childcare cost in Philadelphia vs Madison?
Based on cost-of-living indices, estimated childcare (infant/toddler) runs approximately $1,391/month in Philadelphia and $1,261/month in Madison. These are estimates — actual costs vary by provider and program type.
Which city has lower taxes for families?
Philadelphia has a 3.1% state income tax rate vs Madison's 7.7% rate. For a dual-income family earning $120K combined, the difference can mean $276+/month in take-home.
Childcare estimates based on national average scaled by COL index. Data: Zillow, BLS, Numbeo, Tax Foundation · Q1 2026
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