Cost of Living: Amarillo, TX vs Rockford, IL (2026)

Amarillo

Texas
69
VS

Rockford

Illinois
57

Amarillo is 12% more expensive than Rockford.

$1,049/mo ↑ 10%
Median Rent
$954/mo ↓ 9%
$62,469/yr ↑ 17%
Median Income
$53,328/yr ↓ 15%
$186,800 ↑ 55%
Home Value
$120,900 ↓ 35%
$1,074/mo ↑ 13%
Owner Costs
$947/mo ↓ 12%
200,945
Population
147,649

Tax Comparison

0%
Income Tax
4.95%
6.25%
Sales Tax
6.25%
1.6%
Property Tax
2.07%

Affordability

20.2%
rent-to-income
Affordability
21.5%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Amarillo, TX and Rockford, IL, the overall cost of living indices are 69 and 57 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $95/month cheaper in Rockford, saving renters about $1,140/year.

Median household income is $9,141/year higher in Amarillo. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Amarillo is $186,800 compared to $120,900 in Rockford.

Texas has no state income tax, giving Amarillo residents a significant tax advantage over Illinois's 4.95% rate.

Frequently Asked Questions

Amarillo vs Rockford — common questions

Is Amarillo or Rockford cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Rockford is cheaper to live in with an index of 57 compared to 69 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Amarillo and Rockford?
Median rent in Amarillo is $1,049/month and in Rockford it's $954/month — a difference of $95/month.
Which city has higher income, Amarillo or Rockford?
Median household income is $62,469 in Amarillo and $53,328 in Rockford. Median household income is $9,141/year higher in Amarillo.
How do taxes compare between Texas and Illinois?
Texas has 0% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 1.6% property tax. Illinois has 4.95% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 2.07% property tax.
Should I move to Amarillo or Rockford?
It depends on your priorities. Amarillo has a cost index of 69 with median rent of $1,049/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 Amarillo details → View Rockford details →