Cost of Living: Alexandria, VA vs Rockford, IL (2026)

Alexandria

Virginia
173
VS

Rockford

Illinois
57

Alexandria is 204% more expensive than Rockford.

$2,031/mo ↑ 113%
Median Rent
$954/mo ↓ 53%
$113,638/yr ↑ 113%
Median Income
$53,328/yr ↓ 53%
$696,800 ↑ 476%
Home Value
$120,900 ↓ 83%
$2,173/mo ↑ 129%
Owner Costs
$947/mo ↓ 56%
156,788
Population
147,649

Tax Comparison

5.75%
Income Tax
4.95%
5.3%
State Sales Tax
6.25%
0.8%
Property Tax
2.07%

Affordability

21.4%
rent-to-income
Affordability
21.5%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Alexandria, VA and Rockford, IL, the overall cost of living indices are 173 and 57 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $1,077/month cheaper in Rockford, saving renters about $12,924/year.

Median household income is $60,310/year higher in Alexandria. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Alexandria is $696,800 compared to $120,900 in Rockford.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Alexandria vs Rockford — common questions

Is Alexandria or Rockford cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Rockford is cheaper to live in with an index of 57 compared to 173 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Alexandria and Rockford?
Median rent in Alexandria is $2,031/month and in Rockford it's $954/month — a difference of $1,077/month.
Which city has higher income, Alexandria or Rockford?
Median household income is $113,638 in Alexandria and $53,328 in Rockford. Median household income is $60,310/year higher in Alexandria.
How do taxes compare between Virginia and Illinois?
Virginia has 5.75% income tax, 5.3% sales tax, and 0.8% property tax. Illinois has 4.95% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 2.07% property tax.
Should I move to Alexandria or Rockford?
It depends on your priorities. Alexandria has a cost index of 173 with median rent of $2,031/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 Alexandria details → View Rockford details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Alexandria and Rockford

Alexandria vs. Murfreesboro Alexandria vs. Macon Alexandria vs. Paterson Alexandria vs. Lakewood Alexandria vs. Corona Alexandria vs. Killeen Rockford vs. Bridgeport Rockford vs. Savannah Rockford vs. Pomona Rockford vs. Denton Rockford vs. Mesquite Rockford vs. Syracuse