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

Austin

Texas
134
VS

Rockford

Illinois
57

Austin is 135% more expensive than Rockford.

$1,655/mo ↑ 73%
Median Rent
$954/mo ↓ 42%
$91,461/yr ↑ 72%
Median Income
$53,328/yr ↓ 42%
$512,700 ↑ 324%
Home Value
$120,900 ↓ 76%
$1,747/mo ↑ 84%
Owner Costs
$947/mo ↓ 46%
967,862
Population
147,649

Tax Comparison

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

Affordability

21.7%
rent-to-income
Affordability
21.5%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Austin, TX and Rockford, IL, the overall cost of living indices are 134 and 57 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $701/month cheaper in Rockford, saving renters about $8,412/year.

Median household income is $38,133/year higher in Austin. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Austin is $512,700 compared to $120,900 in Rockford.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Austin vs Rockford — common questions

Is Austin or Rockford cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Rockford is cheaper to live in with an index of 57 compared to 134 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Austin and Rockford?
Median rent in Austin is $1,655/month and in Rockford it's $954/month — a difference of $701/month.
Which city has higher income, Austin or Rockford?
Median household income is $91,461 in Austin and $53,328 in Rockford. Median household income is $38,133/year higher in Austin.
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 Austin or Rockford?
It depends on your priorities. Austin has a cost index of 134 with median rent of $1,655/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 Austin details → View Rockford details →

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