Cost of Living: Chattanooga, TN vs Rockford, IL (2026)

Chattanooga

Tennessee
81
VS

Rockford

Illinois
57

Chattanooga is 42% more expensive than Rockford.

$1,155/mo ↑ 21%
Median Rent
$954/mo ↓ 17%
$61,028/yr ↑ 14%
Median Income
$53,328/yr ↓ 13%
$259,200 ↑ 114%
Home Value
$120,900 ↓ 53%
$1,112/mo ↑ 17%
Owner Costs
$947/mo ↓ 15%
182,832
Population
147,649

Tax Comparison

0%
Income Tax
4.95%
7.0%
State Sales Tax
6.25%
0.64%
Property Tax
2.07%

Affordability

22.7%
rent-to-income
Affordability
21.5%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Chattanooga, TN and Rockford, IL, the overall cost of living indices are 81 and 57 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $201/month cheaper in Rockford, saving renters about $2,412/year.

Median household income is $7,700/year higher in Chattanooga. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Chattanooga is $259,200 compared to $120,900 in Rockford.

Tennessee has no state income tax, giving Chattanooga residents a significant tax advantage over Illinois's 4.95% rate.

Frequently Asked Questions

Chattanooga vs Rockford — common questions

Is Chattanooga or Rockford cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Rockford is cheaper to live in with an index of 57 compared to 81 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Chattanooga and Rockford?
Median rent in Chattanooga is $1,155/month and in Rockford it's $954/month — a difference of $201/month.
Which city has higher income, Chattanooga or Rockford?
Median household income is $61,028 in Chattanooga and $53,328 in Rockford. Median household income is $7,700/year higher in Chattanooga.
How do taxes compare between Tennessee and Illinois?
Tennessee has 0% income tax, 7.0% sales tax, and 0.64% property tax. Illinois has 4.95% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 2.07% property tax.
Should I move to Chattanooga or Rockford?
It depends on your priorities. Chattanooga has a cost index of 81 with median rent of $1,155/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 Chattanooga details → View Rockford details →

More Comparisons

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