Uprootmap
Milwaukee vs Rockford
Milwaukee and Rockford
Photo: Boston Public Library / Wikimedia, CC BY 2.0
Assumed income $83,730, same in both cities. Example, until you change it.
Other cities
So you know: homicide deaths in Rockford are above the US rate in this release, 9.8 versus 6.5 per 100,000. CDC via County Health Rankings, CDC NVSS 2017–2023 (CHR 2025 release).
Why people look at Milwaukee to Rockford
In 2022-2023, 82 households filed a move from Milwaukee to Rockford (about 124 people, average adjusted gross income $45,634). 139 households went the other way. Source: IRS migration.
A one-bedroom asking rent is about $1,261 in Milwaukee and $940 in Rockford. Milwaukee has a state tax on wages. Rockford has a state tax on wages. Local pay in Rockford is 89% of the national level for the same work, against 98% in Milwaukee.
Rockford averages 195 sunny days, with July highs around 82°F and January nights around 19°F. Milwaukee is 190 sunny days, 81°F in July, 15°F in January. Commutes average 24 minutes in Rockford and 24 in Milwaukee.
These figures are projections built from available public data. Conditions change, and the numbers may not reflect current prices, taxes, or immigration rules. Check official sources before you make decisions.
Who already made this move
In 2022-2023, 82 households moved Milwaukee → Rockford (about 124 people, average AGI $45,634). 139 households went the other way.
Source: IRS SOI county-to-county migration. Not a moving company; not a recommendation.
The monthly number is take-home pay minus rent and the other bills. The gap between Milwaukee and Rockford changes with the job, remote or local pay, and bedrooms. How we figure this.
What the move itself costs
About 87 road miles, 1 bedroom. Typical ranges, not quotes.
- Full-service mover
- $1,600–$3,000
- Container or pod
- $1,100–$2,050
- Rent a truck
- $400–$700
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Dig into Rockford
Questions
Is Rockford cheaper than Milwaukee after tax and rent?
Yes. Rockford leaves about $217 more a month, so the cost of living is lower there for this household. A one-bedroom is about $1,261 in Milwaukee and $940 in Rockford.
Does Rockford have state income tax?
Rockford is in Illinois, which taxes wage income.
Did people actually move from Milwaukee to Rockford?
Yes, when the IRS published that flow. The count and their average income are on this page. Leftover prices the same household in both cities.