Moving from Madison to Rockford (2026)
Rockford has a COL index of 82 vs 97 for Madison (100 = US average). You'd pay about 15% less for the same lifestyle.
Save ~$648/mo
on core expenses · $75K salary baseline
Key differences
COL index
9782
100 = US avg
1BR rent
$1,650$1,050
per month
State tax
7.7%5%
income tax
Take-home at $75K
$4,259$4,428
per month
Salary needed in Rockford to match your Madison lifestyle
Based on the 15% cost of living decrease between the two cities.
| Your salary in Madison | Equivalent in Rockford |
|---|---|
| $40K | $33,814 |
| $50K | $42,268 |
| $60K | $50,722 |
| $75K | $63,402 |
| $80K | $67,629 |
| $100K | $84,536 |
| $120K | $101,443 |
| $150K | $126,804 |
Monthly budget at $75K — Madison vs Rockford
| Expense | Madison | Rockford |
|---|---|---|
| Monthly take-home | $4,259 | $4,428 |
| 1BR rent | $1,650 | $1,050 |
| Groceries | $384 | $357 |
| Transport | $62 | $50 |
| Utilities | $162 | $158 |
| Internet | $63 | $58 |
| Left after essentials | $1,938 | $2,755 |
Frequently asked questions
Is Rockford cheaper than Madison?
Yes. Rockford has a cost of living index of 82 vs 97 for Madison (100 = US average). That's about 15% cheaper.
How much will I save moving from Madison to Rockford?
On a $75K salary, moving from Madison to Rockford could save roughly $648/month on core expenses. That's ~$7,776/year.
What salary do I need in Rockford to match my Madison lifestyle?
To maintain the same purchasing power as $75,000 in Madison, you'd need roughly $63,402/year in Rockford. This is based on the overall COL index difference between the two cities.
Moving from Rockford to MadisonMadison vs Rockford — full comparisonMadison cost of livingRockford cost of living
Estimates based on Q1 2026 COL index and market data. Budget uses simplified federal/state tax rates at $75K. Zillow · BLS · Numbeo · For general guidance only