Cost of Living: Baltimore, MD vs Rockford, IL (2026)

Baltimore

Maryland
84
VS

Rockford

Illinois
57

Baltimore is 47% more expensive than Rockford.

$1,290/mo ↑ 35%
Median Rent
$954/mo ↓ 26%
$59,623/yr ↑ 12%
Median Income
$53,328/yr ↓ 11%
$219,300 ↑ 81%
Home Value
$120,900 ↓ 45%
$1,333/mo ↑ 41%
Owner Costs
$947/mo ↓ 29%
577,193
Population
147,649

Tax Comparison

5.75%
Income Tax
4.95%
6.0%
State Sales Tax
6.25%
1.07%
Property Tax
2.07%

Affordability

26.0%
rent-to-income
Affordability
21.5%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Baltimore, MD and Rockford, IL, the overall cost of living indices are 84 and 57 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $336/month cheaper in Rockford, saving renters about $4,032/year.

Median household income is $6,295/year higher in Baltimore. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Baltimore is $219,300 compared to $120,900 in Rockford.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Baltimore vs Rockford — common questions

Is Baltimore or Rockford cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Rockford is cheaper to live in with an index of 57 compared to 84 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Baltimore and Rockford?
Median rent in Baltimore is $1,290/month and in Rockford it's $954/month — a difference of $336/month.
Which city has higher income, Baltimore or Rockford?
Median household income is $59,623 in Baltimore and $53,328 in Rockford. Median household income is $6,295/year higher in Baltimore.
How do taxes compare between Maryland and Illinois?
Maryland has 5.75% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 1.07% property tax. Illinois has 4.95% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 2.07% property tax.
Should I move to Baltimore or Rockford?
It depends on your priorities. Baltimore has a cost index of 84 with median rent of $1,290/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 Baltimore details → View Rockford details →

More Comparisons

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