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

Arlington

Virginia
203
VS

Rockford

Illinois
57

Arlington is 256% more expensive than Rockford.

$2,275/mo ↑ 138%
Median Rent
$954/mo ↓ 58%
$140,160/yr ↑ 163%
Median Income
$53,328/yr ↓ 62%
$864,800 ↑ 615%
Home Value
$120,900 ↓ 86%
$2,414/mo ↑ 155%
Owner Costs
$947/mo ↓ 61%
235,463
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

19.5%
rent-to-income
Affordability
21.5%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Arlington, VA and Rockford, IL, the overall cost of living indices are 203 and 57 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $1,321/month cheaper in Rockford, saving renters about $15,852/year.

Median household income is $86,832/year higher in Arlington. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Arlington is $864,800 compared to $120,900 in Rockford.

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

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 203 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Arlington and Rockford?
Median rent in Arlington is $2,275/month and in Rockford it's $954/month — a difference of $1,321/month.
Which city has higher income, Arlington or Rockford?
Median household income is $140,160 in Arlington and $53,328 in Rockford. Median household income is $86,832/year higher in Arlington.
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 Arlington or Rockford?
It depends on your priorities. Arlington has a cost index of 203 with median rent of $2,275/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 Arlington details → View Rockford details →

More Comparisons

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