Cost of Living: Baton Rouge, LA vs Rockford, IL (2026)

Baton Rouge

Louisiana
73
VS

Rockford

Illinois
57

Baton Rouge is 28% more expensive than Rockford.

$1,044/mo ↑ 9%
Median Rent
$954/mo ↓ 9%
$49,944/yr ↓ 6%
Median Income
$53,328/yr ↑ 7%
$224,500 ↑ 86%
Home Value
$120,900 ↓ 46%
$1,043/mo ↑ 10%
Owner Costs
$947/mo ↓ 9%
223,699
Population
147,649

Tax Comparison

4.25%
Income Tax
4.95%
4.45%
State Sales Tax
6.25%
0.55%
Property Tax
2.07%

Affordability

25.1%
rent-to-income
Affordability
21.5%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Baton Rouge, LA and Rockford, IL, the overall cost of living indices are 73 and 57 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $90/month cheaper in Rockford, saving renters about $1,080/year.

Median household income is $3,384/year higher in Rockford. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Baton Rouge is $224,500 compared to $120,900 in Rockford.

Louisiana has a lower income tax rate, making Baton Rouge slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Baton Rouge vs Rockford — common questions

Is Baton Rouge or Rockford cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Rockford is cheaper to live in with an index of 57 compared to 73 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Baton Rouge and Rockford?
Median rent in Baton Rouge is $1,044/month and in Rockford it's $954/month — a difference of $90/month.
Which city has higher income, Baton Rouge or Rockford?
Median household income is $49,944 in Baton Rouge and $53,328 in Rockford. Median household income is $3,384/year higher in Rockford.
How do taxes compare between Louisiana and Illinois?
Louisiana has 4.25% income tax, 4.45% sales tax, and 0.55% property tax. Illinois has 4.95% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 2.07% property tax.
Should I move to Baton Rouge or Rockford?
It depends on your priorities. Baton Rouge has a cost index of 73 with median rent of $1,044/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 Baton Rouge details → View Rockford details →

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