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

Arlington

Texas
95
VS

Rockford

Illinois
57

Arlington is 67% more expensive than Rockford.

$1,389/mo ↑ 46%
Median Rent
$954/mo ↓ 31%
$73,519/yr ↑ 38%
Median Income
$53,328/yr ↓ 27%
$276,400 ↑ 129%
Home Value
$120,900 ↓ 56%
$1,420/mo ↑ 50%
Owner Costs
$947/mo ↓ 33%
394,769
Population
147,649

Tax Comparison

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

Affordability

22.7%
rent-to-income
Affordability
21.5%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Arlington, TX and Rockford, IL, the overall cost of living indices are 95 and 57 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $435/month cheaper in Rockford, saving renters about $5,220/year.

Median household income is $20,191/year higher in Arlington. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Arlington is $276,400 compared to $120,900 in Rockford.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Arlington vs Rockford — common questions

Is Arlington or Rockford cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Rockford is cheaper to live in with an index of 57 compared to 95 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Arlington and Rockford?
Median rent in Arlington is $1,389/month and in Rockford it's $954/month — a difference of $435/month.
Which city has higher income, Arlington or Rockford?
Median household income is $73,519 in Arlington and $53,328 in Rockford. Median household income is $20,191/year higher in Arlington.
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 Arlington or Rockford?
It depends on your priorities. Arlington has a cost index of 95 with median rent of $1,389/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.
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