Moving from Madison, WI to Rockford, IL
Moving from Madison, WI to Rockford, IL covers 78 mi and about 1h 42m by car through 2 state(s). That is far enough that housing, cost-of-living, climate, and job market can all move meaningfully β the sections below pull current figures from BEA, Zillow, the Census Bureau, BLS, and NOAA to map exactly where the differences fall.
78 mi Β· 1h 42m by car Β· WI β IL
Distance & route
| Route through | WI β IL |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | I 39, I 90, US 20 BUSINESS |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Madison | Rockford | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 97.287 | 92.154 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 89.825 | 89.378 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 93.787 | 93.643 | 100.0 |
| Services | 99.748 | 70.076 | 100.0 |
RPP moves from 97.287 to 92.154, putting Rockford roughly 5.3% below Madison on the overall price level.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level Β· MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Homes run dramatically cheaper in Rockford: 5.3% below Madison on Zillow ZHVI (2026-03).
YoY change: Madison +2.4%, Rockford +9.9%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991β2020 normals | Madison | Rockford |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 47Β°F | 49Β°F |
| January avg low | 11Β°F | 15Β°F |
| July avg high | 82Β°F | 84Β°F |
| Annual snowfall | β | 37.1" |
| Annual precipitation | 40.2" | 37.2" |
No material annual-average temperature gap; seasonal extremes may still differ.
Heavy-snow city: expect 37.1 in of snowfall annually at Rockford.
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991β2020 (stations: UW ARBORETUM - MADISON, WI US, ROCKFORD GTR ROCKFORD AP, IL US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Madison | Rockford |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 275,568 | 147,649 |
| Median household income | $76,983 | $53,328 |
| Median age | 31.8 | 37.5 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 33.5% | 14.9% |
| Avg household size | 2.19 | 2.4 |
Median household income in Rockford is 5.3% below Madison ($76,983 vs $53,328, ACS 5-year 2023).
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 5-year 2023.
Jobs & wages
Top occupations in Rockford MSA
| Occupation | Employment | Median wage |
|---|---|---|
| Production Occupations | 17,580 | $41,900 |
| Transportation and Material Moving Occupations | 16,500 | $41,140 |
| Office and Administrative Support Occupations | 15,320 | $41,130 |
| Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations | 12,130 | $30,050 |
| Sales and Related Occupations | 11,300 | $34,130 |
Source: BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics.
Moving between Wisconsin and Illinois
State income-tax top marginal rates are from the Tax Foundation, updated annually. Check Illinois's DMV for the current deadline to transfer driver license and vehicle registration after establishing residency. Consult a tax professional for your specific filing situation β state tax treatment depends on residency, sourcing, and reciprocity agreements.
Best time to move
Moving companies typically charge 20β30% more between Memorial Day and Labor Day (peak season). October through April offers the lowest rates and better mover availability.
To avoid mid-semester school transfers, most U.S. families schedule moves between mid-June and mid-August. Public school calendars typically run late August or early September through late May or early June.
Winter driving along this route
- Winter storms can slow I-90 and I-94 across western Wisconsin β check 511wi.
State DOT 511 phone or web services provide real-time road conditions year-round.
Packing & arrival checklist
- Winter gear first: Rockford averages 37.1 in of snow per year on NOAA normals β pack a heavy coat, boots, and consider snow tires or chains before the first storm.
- Arrange utility connection (power, internet, gas, water) two weeks ahead of move-in.
- Update mailing address with USPS change-of-address within the first week post-move.
- Register to vote in Illinois after establishing residency.
Frequently asked
Is Rockford more expensive than Madison?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Rockford is 5.3% lower than Madison (92.154 vs 97.287, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
How much do homes cost in Rockford compared to Madison?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $177,225 in Rockford vs $423,767 in Madison β a 58.2% lower figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
When is the best time to move from Madison to Rockford?
Moving companies usually charge 20β30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 78 mi drive, weather on the route matters too β see the timing section above for state-specific winter warnings.
How does household income compare in Madison vs Rockford?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $53,328 in Rockford vs $76,983 in Madison β a 30.7% lower figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
How far is Rockford, IL from Madison, WI?
The driving distance is 78 mi and the route typically takes 1h 42m via I 39 and I 90. The trip crosses 2 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
How does the job market in Rockford compare to Madison?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $44,810 in the Rockford MSA vs $50,910 in the Madison MSA, on total employment of 138,920 and 396,960 respectively. Top occupations on the destination side appear in the Jobs & wages section above.
Plan the move
Estimate costs with our moving cost calculator, or see where else to move from Madison.
City profiles: Madison, WI Β· Rockford, IL.