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

Charlotte

North Carolina
108
VS

Rockford

Illinois
57

Charlotte is 89% more expensive than Rockford.

$1,504/mo ↑ 58%
Median Rent
$954/mo ↓ 37%
$78,438/yr ↑ 47%
Median Income
$53,328/yr ↓ 32%
$351,500 ↑ 191%
Home Value
$120,900 ↓ 66%
$1,487/mo ↑ 57%
Owner Costs
$947/mo ↓ 36%
886,283
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

23.0%
rent-to-income
Affordability
21.5%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Charlotte, NC and Rockford, IL, the overall cost of living indices are 108 and 57 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $550/month cheaper in Rockford, saving renters about $6,600/year.

Median household income is $25,110/year higher in Charlotte. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Charlotte is $351,500 compared to $120,900 in Rockford.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Charlotte vs Rockford — common questions

Is Charlotte or Rockford cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Rockford is cheaper to live in with an index of 57 compared to 108 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Charlotte and Rockford?
Median rent in Charlotte is $1,504/month and in Rockford it's $954/month — a difference of $550/month.
Which city has higher income, Charlotte or Rockford?
Median household income is $78,438 in Charlotte and $53,328 in Rockford. Median household income is $25,110/year higher in Charlotte.
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 Charlotte or Rockford?
It depends on your priorities. Charlotte has a cost index of 108 with median rent of $1,504/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 Charlotte details → View Rockford details →

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