Uprootmap
Rockford vs Madison
Rockford and Madison
Photo: Dori / Wikimedia, CC BY 2.5
Assumed income $83,730, same in both cities. Example, until you change it.
Other cities
So you know: homicide deaths in Madison are under the US rate in this release, 2.1 versus 6.5 per 100,000. CDC via County Health Rankings, CDC NVSS 2017–2023 (CHR 2025 release).
Why people look at Rockford to Madison
In 2022-2023, 186 households filed a move from Rockford to Madison (about 278 people, average adjusted gross income $57,801). 90 households went the other way. Source: IRS migration.
A one-bedroom asking rent is about $940 in Rockford and $1,330 in Madison. Rockford has a state tax on wages. Madison has a state tax on wages. Local pay in Madison is 100% of the national level for the same work, against 89% in Rockford.
Madison averages 188 sunny days, with July highs around 82°F and January nights around 12°F. Rockford is 195 sunny days, 82°F in July, 19°F in January. Commutes average 21 minutes in Madison and 24 in Rockford.
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, 186 households moved Rockford → Madison (about 278 people, average AGI $57,801). 90 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 Rockford and Madison changes with the job, remote or local pay, and bedrooms. How we figure this.
What the move itself costs
About 71 road miles, 1 bedroom. Typical ranges, not quotes.
- Full-service mover
- $1,600–$3,000
- Container or pod
- $1,050–$2,000
- Rent a truck
- $350–$700
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Dig into Madison
Questions
Is Madison cheaper than Rockford after tax and rent?
No. Madison leaves about $308 less a month, so the cost of living is higher there for this household. A one-bedroom is about $940 in Rockford and $1,330 in Madison.
Does Madison have state income tax?
Madison is in Wisconsin, which taxes wage income.
Did people actually move from Rockford to Madison?
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.