Cost of Living: Aurora, CO vs Rockford, IL (2026)

Aurora

Colorado
130
VS

Rockford

Illinois
57

Aurora is 128% more expensive than Rockford.

$1,759/mo ↑ 84%
Median Rent
$954/mo ↓ 46%
$84,320/yr ↑ 58%
Median Income
$53,328/yr ↓ 37%
$444,500 ↑ 268%
Home Value
$120,900 ↓ 73%
$1,762/mo ↑ 86%
Owner Costs
$947/mo ↓ 46%
390,201
Population
147,649

Tax Comparison

4.4%
Income Tax
4.95%
2.9%
State Sales Tax
6.25%
0.51%
Property Tax
2.07%

Affordability

25.0%
rent-to-income
Affordability
21.5%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Aurora, CO and Rockford, IL, the overall cost of living indices are 130 and 57 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $805/month cheaper in Rockford, saving renters about $9,660/year.

Median household income is $30,992/year higher in Aurora. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Aurora is $444,500 compared to $120,900 in Rockford.

Colorado has a lower income tax rate, making Aurora slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Aurora vs Rockford — common questions

Is Aurora or Rockford cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Rockford is cheaper to live in with an index of 57 compared to 130 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Aurora and Rockford?
Median rent in Aurora is $1,759/month and in Rockford it's $954/month — a difference of $805/month.
Which city has higher income, Aurora or Rockford?
Median household income is $84,320 in Aurora and $53,328 in Rockford. Median household income is $30,992/year higher in Aurora.
How do taxes compare between Colorado and Illinois?
Colorado has 4.4% income tax, 2.9% sales tax, and 0.51% property tax. Illinois has 4.95% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 2.07% property tax.
Should I move to Aurora or Rockford?
It depends on your priorities. Aurora has a cost index of 130 with median rent of $1,759/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 Aurora details → View Rockford details →

More Comparisons

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