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

Augusta

Georgia
67
VS

Rockford

Illinois
57

Augusta is 18% more expensive than Rockford.

$1,087/mo ↑ 14%
Median Rent
$954/mo ↓ 12%
$53,134/yr ≈ Same
Median Income
$53,328/yr ≈ Same
$162,900 ↑ 35%
Home Value
$120,900 ↓ 26%
$1,053/mo ↑ 11%
Owner Costs
$947/mo ↓ 10%
201,504
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

24.5%
rent-to-income
Affordability
21.5%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Augusta, GA and Rockford, IL, the overall cost of living indices are 67 and 57 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $133/month cheaper in Rockford, saving renters about $1,596/year.

Median household income is $194/year higher in Rockford. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Augusta is $162,900 compared to $120,900 in Rockford.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Augusta vs Rockford — common questions

Is Augusta or Rockford cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Rockford is cheaper to live in with an index of 57 compared to 67 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Augusta and Rockford?
Median rent in Augusta is $1,087/month and in Rockford it's $954/month — a difference of $133/month.
Which city has higher income, Augusta or Rockford?
Median household income is $53,134 in Augusta and $53,328 in Rockford. Median household income is $194/year higher in Rockford.
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 Augusta or Rockford?
It depends on your priorities. Augusta has a cost index of 67 with median rent of $1,087/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 Augusta details → View Rockford details →

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