Cost of Living: Boise, ID vs Rockford, IL (2026)

Boise

Idaho
112
VS

Rockford

Illinois
57

Boise is 96% more expensive than Rockford.

$1,359/mo ↑ 42%
Median Rent
$954/mo ↓ 30%
$81,308/yr ↑ 52%
Median Income
$53,328/yr ↓ 34%
$456,000 ↑ 277%
Home Value
$120,900 ↓ 73%
$1,337/mo ↑ 41%
Owner Costs
$947/mo ↓ 29%
235,701
Population
147,649

Tax Comparison

5.8%
Income Tax
4.95%
6.0%
State Sales Tax
6.25%
0.63%
Property Tax
2.07%

Affordability

20.1%
rent-to-income
Affordability
21.5%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Boise, ID and Rockford, IL, the overall cost of living indices are 112 and 57 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $405/month cheaper in Rockford, saving renters about $4,860/year.

Median household income is $27,980/year higher in Boise. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Boise is $456,000 compared to $120,900 in Rockford.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Boise vs Rockford — common questions

Is Boise or Rockford cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Rockford is cheaper to live in with an index of 57 compared to 112 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Boise and Rockford?
Median rent in Boise is $1,359/month and in Rockford it's $954/month — a difference of $405/month.
Which city has higher income, Boise or Rockford?
Median household income is $81,308 in Boise and $53,328 in Rockford. Median household income is $27,980/year higher in Boise.
How do taxes compare between Idaho and Illinois?
Idaho has 5.8% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 0.63% property tax. Illinois has 4.95% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 2.07% property tax.
Should I move to Boise or Rockford?
It depends on your priorities. Boise has a cost index of 112 with median rent of $1,359/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 Boise details → View Rockford details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Boise and Rockford

Boise vs. Scottsdale Boise vs. Arlington Boise vs. Garland Boise vs. Norfolk Boise vs. Glendale Boise vs. Enterprise Rockford vs. Bridgeport Rockford vs. Savannah Rockford vs. Pomona Rockford vs. Denton Rockford vs. Mesquite Rockford vs. Syracuse