Cost of Living: Anchorage, AK vs Rockford, IL (2026)

Anchorage

Alaska
113
VS

Rockford

Illinois
57

Anchorage is 98% more expensive than Rockford.

$1,453/mo ↑ 52%
Median Rent
$954/mo ↓ 34%
$98,152/yr ↑ 84%
Median Income
$53,328/yr ↓ 46%
$375,900 ↑ 211%
Home Value
$120,900 ↓ 68%
$1,698/mo ↑ 79%
Owner Costs
$947/mo ↓ 44%
289,069
Population
147,649

Tax Comparison

0%
Income Tax
4.95%
0%
State Sales Tax
6.25%
1.04%
Property Tax
2.07%

Affordability

17.8%
rent-to-income
Affordability
21.5%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Anchorage, AK and Rockford, IL, the overall cost of living indices are 113 and 57 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $499/month cheaper in Rockford, saving renters about $5,988/year.

Median household income is $44,824/year higher in Anchorage. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Anchorage is $375,900 compared to $120,900 in Rockford.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Anchorage vs Rockford — common questions

Is Anchorage or Rockford cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Rockford is cheaper to live in with an index of 57 compared to 113 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Anchorage and Rockford?
Median rent in Anchorage is $1,453/month and in Rockford it's $954/month — a difference of $499/month.
Which city has higher income, Anchorage or Rockford?
Median household income is $98,152 in Anchorage and $53,328 in Rockford. Median household income is $44,824/year higher in Anchorage.
How do taxes compare between Alaska and Illinois?
Alaska has 0% income tax, 0% sales tax, and 1.04% property tax. Illinois has 4.95% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 2.07% property tax.
Should I move to Anchorage or Rockford?
It depends on your priorities. Anchorage has a cost index of 113 with median rent of $1,453/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 Anchorage details → View Rockford details →

More Comparisons

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