Cost of Living: Charleston, SC vs Rockford, IL (2026)

Charleston

South Carolina
128
VS

Rockford

Illinois
57

Charleston is 125% more expensive than Rockford.

$1,632/mo ↑ 71%
Median Rent
$954/mo ↓ 42%
$90,038/yr ↑ 69%
Median Income
$53,328/yr ↓ 41%
$469,100 ↑ 288%
Home Value
$120,900 ↓ 74%
$1,688/mo ↑ 78%
Owner Costs
$947/mo ↓ 44%
152,014
Population
147,649

Tax Comparison

6.4%
Income Tax
4.95%
6.0%
State Sales Tax
6.25%
0.57%
Property Tax
2.07%

Affordability

21.8%
rent-to-income
Affordability
21.5%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Charleston, SC and Rockford, IL, the overall cost of living indices are 128 and 57 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $678/month cheaper in Rockford, saving renters about $8,136/year.

Median household income is $36,710/year higher in Charleston. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Charleston is $469,100 compared to $120,900 in Rockford.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Charleston vs Rockford — common questions

Is Charleston or Rockford cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Rockford is cheaper to live in with an index of 57 compared to 128 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Charleston and Rockford?
Median rent in Charleston is $1,632/month and in Rockford it's $954/month — a difference of $678/month.
Which city has higher income, Charleston or Rockford?
Median household income is $90,038 in Charleston and $53,328 in Rockford. Median household income is $36,710/year higher in Charleston.
How do taxes compare between South Carolina and Illinois?
South Carolina has 6.4% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 0.57% property tax. Illinois has 4.95% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 2.07% property tax.
Should I move to Charleston or Rockford?
It depends on your priorities. Charleston has a cost index of 128 with median rent of $1,632/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.
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More Comparisons

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