2025 Compare Cities Overview:
Madison, WI vs Rochester, NY

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Highlights
Are people in Rochester older or younger than people in Madison?
- The Median Age in Rochester is 1.4 years older than in Madison.

Are housing costs cheaper in Rochester or Madison?
- Rochester housing costs are 61.2% less expensive than Madison housing costs.

Which city has a longer commute, Rochester or Madison?
- The average commute for residents of Rochester is 0.6 minutes longer than it is for residents of Madison.

Things to do in Madison?
Madison, Wisconsin is a vibrant city with a unique mix of culture and history. Take a stroll through State Street and explore the city's many art galleries, bookstores and some of the best restaurants in the Midwest. Visit University of Wisconsin-Madison for some stunning architecture and inspiring scientific research, or take in an outdoor concert at Breese Stevens Field. With its beautiful lakeshore backdrop, lively farmers markets, and incredible cultural events,Madison is an ideal place to live and visit!

Things to do in Rochester?
Rochester, New York is a vibrant city with plenty of attractions for everyone. Nature lovers can explore the scenic Genesee River or take a hike at Durand Eastman Park. History buffs should check out sites like the George Eastman Museum to learn more about the area's past. Sports fans can catch a game at Frontier Field, while foodies can sample all kinds of delicious eats throughout town. Shopping lovers should visit The Marketplace at Oxbridge or Pittsford Plaza for good deals on all kinds of items. With its rich culture and exciting activities, Rochester is an incredible place to visit!

 Madison, WIRochester, NYUnited States
 Population  Unlock211,100329,725,481
 Median Income$70,466  Unlock$69,021
 Median Age  Unlock32.938.4
 Avg. Home Price$337,500  Unlock$338,100
 Unemployment Rate  Unlock9.8%6.0%
 Avg. Commute Time19.43  Unlock26.38
Reviews for Madison    78 Reviews

Unfortunately, a number of these reviews are politically based. Madison remains the only shining star in Wisconsin’s economy. The economy is broadly based, with  More

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Have been living in Madison for almost 3 years. It’s very safe, ppl generally friendly and for a town of its size it has fair number of good restaurants and interesting  More

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Lacks balance and zero accountability.   More

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Reviews for Rochester    79 Reviews

Stay out of the rougher patches, and you'll find a pretty solid city. I live within close proximity to it, and the crime from it DOES rub off on us (auto theft), but  More

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Rochester isn't perfect (I'll detail pros and cons), but it's certainly perfect for me and my husband. We've lived here for 4 years and are getting ready to purchase our  More

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Rochester is a scenic city with so much to offer in terms of things to do and having 4 seasons, except the summer is more like a long spring!! It's a relatively unknown  More

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