Cost of Living: Atlanta, GA vs Rockford, IL (2026)

Atlanta

Georgia
122
VS

Rockford

Illinois
57

Atlanta is 114% more expensive than Rockford.

$1,617/mo ↑ 69%
Median Rent
$954/mo ↓ 41%
$81,938/yr ↑ 54%
Median Income
$53,328/yr ↓ 35%
$420,600 ↑ 248%
Home Value
$120,900 ↓ 71%
$1,695/mo ↑ 79%
Owner Costs
$947/mo ↓ 44%
499,287
Population
147,649

Tax Comparison

5.49%
Income Tax
4.95%
4.0%
State Sales Tax
6.25%
0.92%
Property Tax
2.07%

Affordability

23.7%
rent-to-income
Affordability
21.5%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Atlanta, GA and Rockford, IL, the overall cost of living indices are 122 and 57 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $663/month cheaper in Rockford, saving renters about $7,956/year.

Median household income is $28,610/year higher in Atlanta. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Atlanta is $420,600 compared to $120,900 in Rockford.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Atlanta vs Rockford — common questions

Is Atlanta or Rockford cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Rockford is cheaper to live in with an index of 57 compared to 122 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Atlanta and Rockford?
Median rent in Atlanta is $1,617/month and in Rockford it's $954/month — a difference of $663/month.
Which city has higher income, Atlanta or Rockford?
Median household income is $81,938 in Atlanta and $53,328 in Rockford. Median household income is $28,610/year higher in Atlanta.
How do taxes compare between Georgia and Illinois?
Georgia has 5.49% income tax, 4.0% sales tax, and 0.92% property tax. Illinois has 4.95% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 2.07% property tax.
Should I move to Atlanta or Rockford?
It depends on your priorities. Atlanta has a cost index of 122 with median rent of $1,617/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 Atlanta details → View Rockford details →

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