Cost of Living: Chandler, AZ vs Rockford, IL (2026)

Chandler

Arizona
134
VS

Rockford

Illinois
57

Chandler is 135% more expensive than Rockford.

$1,806/mo ↑ 89%
Median Rent
$954/mo ↓ 47%
$103,691/yr ↑ 94%
Median Income
$53,328/yr ↓ 49%
$469,800 ↑ 289%
Home Value
$120,900 ↓ 74%
$1,743/mo ↑ 84%
Owner Costs
$947/mo ↓ 46%
278,123
Population
147,649

Tax Comparison

2.5%
Income Tax
4.95%
5.6%
State Sales Tax
6.25%
0.62%
Property Tax
2.07%

Affordability

20.9%
rent-to-income
Affordability
21.5%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Chandler, AZ and Rockford, IL, the overall cost of living indices are 134 and 57 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $852/month cheaper in Rockford, saving renters about $10,224/year.

Median household income is $50,363/year higher in Chandler. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Chandler is $469,800 compared to $120,900 in Rockford.

Arizona has a lower income tax rate, making Chandler slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Chandler vs Rockford — common questions

Is Chandler or Rockford cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Rockford is cheaper to live in with an index of 57 compared to 134 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Chandler and Rockford?
Median rent in Chandler is $1,806/month and in Rockford it's $954/month — a difference of $852/month.
Which city has higher income, Chandler or Rockford?
Median household income is $103,691 in Chandler and $53,328 in Rockford. Median household income is $50,363/year higher in Chandler.
How do taxes compare between Arizona and Illinois?
Arizona has 2.5% income tax, 5.6% sales tax, and 0.62% property tax. Illinois has 4.95% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 2.07% property tax.
Should I move to Chandler or Rockford?
It depends on your priorities. Chandler has a cost index of 134 with median rent of $1,806/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 Chandler details → View Rockford details →

More Comparisons

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