Cost of Living: Bellevue, WA vs Rockford, IL (2026)

Bellevue

Washington
250
VS

Rockford

Illinois
57

Bellevue is 339% more expensive than Rockford.

$2,505/mo ↑ 163%
Median Rent
$954/mo ↓ 62%
$161,300/yr ↑ 202%
Median Income
$53,328/yr ↓ 67%
$1,203,100 ↑ 895%
Home Value
$120,900 ↓ 90%
$2,586/mo ↑ 173%
Owner Costs
$947/mo ↓ 63%
151,199
Population
147,649

Tax Comparison

0%
Income Tax
4.95%
6.5%
State Sales Tax
6.25%
0.92%
Property Tax
2.07%

Affordability

18.6%
rent-to-income
Affordability
21.5%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Bellevue, WA and Rockford, IL, the overall cost of living indices are 250 and 57 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $1,551/month cheaper in Rockford, saving renters about $18,612/year.

Median household income is $107,972/year higher in Bellevue. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Bellevue is $1,203,100 compared to $120,900 in Rockford.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Bellevue vs Rockford — common questions

Is Bellevue or Rockford cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Rockford is cheaper to live in with an index of 57 compared to 250 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Bellevue and Rockford?
Median rent in Bellevue is $2,505/month and in Rockford it's $954/month — a difference of $1,551/month.
Which city has higher income, Bellevue or Rockford?
Median household income is $161,300 in Bellevue and $53,328 in Rockford. Median household income is $107,972/year higher in Bellevue.
How do taxes compare between Washington and Illinois?
Washington has 0% income tax, 6.5% 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 Bellevue or Rockford?
It depends on your priorities. Bellevue has a cost index of 250 with median rent of $2,505/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 Bellevue details → View Rockford details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Bellevue and Rockford

Bellevue vs. Charleston Bellevue vs. Escondido Bellevue vs. Roseville Bellevue vs. Jackson Bellevue vs. Hollywood Bellevue vs. Joliet Rockford vs. Bridgeport Rockford vs. Savannah Rockford vs. Pomona Rockford vs. Denton Rockford vs. Mesquite Rockford vs. Syracuse