Cost of Living: Cary, NC vs Rockford, IL (2026)

Cary

North Carolina
135
VS

Rockford

Illinois
57

Cary is 137% more expensive than Rockford.

$1,621/mo ↑ 70%
Median Rent
$954/mo ↓ 41%
$129,399/yr ↑ 143%
Median Income
$53,328/yr ↓ 59%
$525,200 ↑ 334%
Home Value
$120,900 ↓ 77%
$1,744/mo ↑ 84%
Owner Costs
$947/mo ↓ 46%
176,686
Population
147,649

Tax Comparison

4.5%
Income Tax
4.95%
4.75%
State Sales Tax
6.25%
0.8%
Property Tax
2.07%

Affordability

15.0%
rent-to-income
Affordability
21.5%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Cary, NC and Rockford, IL, the overall cost of living indices are 135 and 57 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $667/month cheaper in Rockford, saving renters about $8,004/year.

Median household income is $76,071/year higher in Cary. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Cary is $525,200 compared to $120,900 in Rockford.

North Carolina has a lower income tax rate, making Cary slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Cary vs Rockford — common questions

Is Cary or Rockford cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Rockford is cheaper to live in with an index of 57 compared to 135 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Cary and Rockford?
Median rent in Cary is $1,621/month and in Rockford it's $954/month — a difference of $667/month.
Which city has higher income, Cary or Rockford?
Median household income is $129,399 in Cary and $53,328 in Rockford. Median household income is $76,071/year higher in Cary.
How do taxes compare between North Carolina and Illinois?
North Carolina has 4.5% income tax, 4.75% sales tax, and 0.8% property tax. Illinois has 4.95% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 2.07% property tax.
Should I move to Cary or Rockford?
It depends on your priorities. Cary has a cost index of 135 with median rent of $1,621/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 Cary details → View Rockford details →

More Comparisons

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