Cost of Living: Boston, MA vs Rockford, IL (2026)

Boston

Massachusetts
176
VS

Rockford

Illinois
57

Boston is 209% more expensive than Rockford.

$2,093/mo ↑ 119%
Median Rent
$954/mo ↓ 54%
$94,755/yr ↑ 78%
Median Income
$53,328/yr ↓ 44%
$710,400 ↑ 488%
Home Value
$120,900 ↓ 83%
$2,176/mo ↑ 130%
Owner Costs
$947/mo ↓ 56%
663,972
Population
147,649

Tax Comparison

9.0%
Income Tax
4.95%
6.25%
State Sales Tax
6.25%
1.15%
Property Tax
2.07%

Affordability

26.5%
rent-to-income
Affordability
21.5%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Boston, MA and Rockford, IL, the overall cost of living indices are 176 and 57 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $1,139/month cheaper in Rockford, saving renters about $13,668/year.

Median household income is $41,427/year higher in Boston. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Boston is $710,400 compared to $120,900 in Rockford.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Boston vs Rockford — common questions

Is Boston or Rockford cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Rockford is cheaper to live in with an index of 57 compared to 176 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Boston and Rockford?
Median rent in Boston is $2,093/month and in Rockford it's $954/month — a difference of $1,139/month.
Which city has higher income, Boston or Rockford?
Median household income is $94,755 in Boston and $53,328 in Rockford. Median household income is $41,427/year higher in Boston.
How do taxes compare between Massachusetts and Illinois?
Massachusetts has 9.0% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 1.15% property tax. Illinois has 4.95% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 2.07% property tax.
Should I move to Boston or Rockford?
It depends on your priorities. Boston has a cost index of 176 with median rent of $2,093/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 Boston details → View Rockford details →

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