Cost of Living: Madison, WI vs Rockford, IL (2026)

Madison

Wisconsin
103
VS

Rockford

Illinois
57

Madison is 81% more expensive than Rockford.

$1,364/mo ↑ 43%
Median Rent
$954/mo ↓ 30%
$76,983/yr ↑ 44%
Median Income
$53,328/yr ↓ 31%
$346,900 ↑ 187%
Home Value
$120,900 ↓ 65%
$1,476/mo ↑ 56%
Owner Costs
$947/mo ↓ 36%
275,568
Population
147,649

Tax Comparison

7.65%
Income Tax
4.95%
5.0%
State Sales Tax
6.25%
1.61%
Property Tax
2.07%

Affordability

21.3%
rent-to-income
Affordability
21.5%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Madison, WI and Rockford, IL, the overall cost of living indices are 103 and 57 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $410/month cheaper in Rockford, saving renters about $4,920/year.

Median household income is $23,655/year higher in Madison. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Madison is $346,900 compared to $120,900 in Rockford.

Illinois has a lower income tax rate, making Rockford slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Madison vs Rockford — common questions

Is Madison or Rockford cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Rockford is cheaper to live in with an index of 57 compared to 103 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Madison and Rockford?
Median rent in Madison is $1,364/month and in Rockford it's $954/month — a difference of $410/month.
Which city has higher income, Madison or Rockford?
Median household income is $76,983 in Madison and $53,328 in Rockford. Median household income is $23,655/year higher in Madison.
How do taxes compare between Wisconsin and Illinois?
Wisconsin has 7.65% income tax, 5.0% sales tax, and 1.61% property tax. Illinois has 4.95% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 2.07% property tax.
Should I move to Madison or Rockford?
It depends on your priorities. Madison has a cost index of 103 with median rent of $1,364/mo, while Rockford has a cost index of 57 with rent of $954/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Madison details → View Rockford details →

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