Cost of Living: Cape Coral, FL vs Rockford, IL (2026)

Cape Coral

Florida
114
VS

Rockford

Illinois
57

Cape Coral is 100% more expensive than Rockford.

$1,751/mo ↑ 84%
Median Rent
$954/mo ↓ 46%
$76,062/yr ↑ 43%
Median Income
$53,328/yr ↓ 30%
$339,200 ↑ 181%
Home Value
$120,900 ↓ 64%
$1,523/mo ↑ 61%
Owner Costs
$947/mo ↓ 38%
206,387
Population
147,649

Tax Comparison

0%
Income Tax
4.95%
6.0%
State Sales Tax
6.25%
0.86%
Property Tax
2.07%

Affordability

27.6%
rent-to-income
Affordability
21.5%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Cape Coral, FL and Rockford, IL, the overall cost of living indices are 114 and 57 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $797/month cheaper in Rockford, saving renters about $9,564/year.

Median household income is $22,734/year higher in Cape Coral. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Cape Coral is $339,200 compared to $120,900 in Rockford.

Florida has no state income tax, giving Cape Coral residents a significant tax advantage over Illinois's 4.95% rate.

Frequently Asked Questions

Cape Coral vs Rockford — common questions

Is Cape Coral or Rockford cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Rockford is cheaper to live in with an index of 57 compared to 114 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Cape Coral and Rockford?
Median rent in Cape Coral is $1,751/month and in Rockford it's $954/month — a difference of $797/month.
Which city has higher income, Cape Coral or Rockford?
Median household income is $76,062 in Cape Coral and $53,328 in Rockford. Median household income is $22,734/year higher in Cape Coral.
How do taxes compare between Florida and Illinois?
Florida has 0% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 0.86% property tax. Illinois has 4.95% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 2.07% property tax.
Should I move to Cape Coral or Rockford?
It depends on your priorities. Cape Coral has a cost index of 114 with median rent of $1,751/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 Cape Coral details → View Rockford details →

More Comparisons

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