Cost of Living: Birmingham, AL vs Rockford, IL (2026)

Birmingham

Alabama
62
VS

Rockford

Illinois
57

Birmingham is 9% more expensive than Rockford.

$1,047/mo ↑ 10%
Median Rent
$954/mo ↓ 9%
$44,376/yr ↓ 17%
Median Income
$53,328/yr ↑ 20%
$138,600 ↑ 15%
Home Value
$120,900 ↓ 13%
$991/mo ↑ 5%
Owner Costs
$947/mo ↓ 4%
199,322
Population
147,649

Tax Comparison

5.0%
Income Tax
4.95%
4.0%
State Sales Tax
6.25%
0.41%
Property Tax
2.07%

Affordability

28.3%
rent-to-income
Affordability
21.5%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Birmingham, AL and Rockford, IL, the overall cost of living indices are 62 and 57 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $93/month cheaper in Rockford, saving renters about $1,116/year.

Median household income is $8,952/year higher in Rockford. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Birmingham is $138,600 compared to $120,900 in Rockford.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Birmingham vs Rockford — common questions

Is Birmingham or Rockford cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Rockford is cheaper to live in with an index of 57 compared to 62 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Birmingham and Rockford?
Median rent in Birmingham is $1,047/month and in Rockford it's $954/month — a difference of $93/month.
Which city has higher income, Birmingham or Rockford?
Median household income is $44,376 in Birmingham and $53,328 in Rockford. Median household income is $8,952/year higher in Rockford.
How do taxes compare between Alabama and Illinois?
Alabama has 5.0% income tax, 4.0% sales tax, and 0.41% property tax. Illinois has 4.95% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 2.07% property tax.
Should I move to Birmingham or Rockford?
It depends on your priorities. Birmingham has a cost index of 62 with median rent of $1,047/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 Birmingham details → View Rockford details →

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