Cost of Living: Brownsville, TX vs Rockford, IL (2026)

Brownsville

Texas
54
VS

Rockford

Illinois
57

Brownsville is 5% cheaper than Rockford.

$906/mo ↓ 5%
Median Rent
$954/mo ↑ 5%
$48,675/yr ↓ 9%
Median Income
$53,328/yr ↑ 10%
$122,400 ↑ 1%
Home Value
$120,900 ↓ 1%
$830/mo ↓ 12%
Owner Costs
$947/mo ↑ 14%
188,023
Population
147,649

Tax Comparison

0%
Income Tax
4.95%
6.25%
State Sales Tax
6.25%
1.6%
Property Tax
2.07%

Affordability

22.3%
rent-to-income
Affordability
21.5%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Brownsville, TX and Rockford, IL, the overall cost of living indices are 54 and 57 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is comparable in both cities, with less than $50/month separating them.

Median household income is $4,653/year higher in Rockford. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Brownsville is $122,400 compared to $120,900 in Rockford.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Brownsville vs Rockford — common questions

Is Brownsville or Rockford cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Brownsville is cheaper to live in with an index of 54 compared to 57 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Brownsville and Rockford?
Median rent in Brownsville is $906/month and in Rockford it's $954/month — a difference of $48/month.
Which city has higher income, Brownsville or Rockford?
Median household income is $48,675 in Brownsville and $53,328 in Rockford. Median household income is $4,653/year higher in Rockford.
How do taxes compare between Texas and Illinois?
Texas has 0% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 1.6% property tax. Illinois has 4.95% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 2.07% property tax.
Should I move to Brownsville or Rockford?
It depends on your priorities. Brownsville has a cost index of 54 with median rent of $906/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 Brownsville details → View Rockford details →

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