Cost of Living: Chesapeake, VA vs Rockford, IL (2026)

Chesapeake

Virginia
112
VS

Rockford

Illinois
57

Chesapeake is 96% more expensive than Rockford.

$1,523/mo ↑ 60%
Median Rent
$954/mo ↓ 37%
$94,189/yr ↑ 77%
Median Income
$53,328/yr ↓ 43%
$359,100 ↑ 197%
Home Value
$120,900 ↓ 66%
$1,680/mo ↑ 77%
Owner Costs
$947/mo ↓ 44%
251,153
Population
147,649

Tax Comparison

5.75%
Income Tax
4.95%
5.3%
State Sales Tax
6.25%
0.8%
Property Tax
2.07%

Affordability

19.4%
rent-to-income
Affordability
21.5%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Chesapeake, VA and Rockford, IL, the overall cost of living indices are 112 and 57 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $569/month cheaper in Rockford, saving renters about $6,828/year.

Median household income is $40,861/year higher in Chesapeake. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Chesapeake is $359,100 compared to $120,900 in Rockford.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Chesapeake vs Rockford — common questions

Is Chesapeake or Rockford cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Rockford is cheaper to live in with an index of 57 compared to 112 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Chesapeake and Rockford?
Median rent in Chesapeake is $1,523/month and in Rockford it's $954/month — a difference of $569/month.
Which city has higher income, Chesapeake or Rockford?
Median household income is $94,189 in Chesapeake and $53,328 in Rockford. Median household income is $40,861/year higher in Chesapeake.
How do taxes compare between Virginia and Illinois?
Virginia has 5.75% income tax, 5.3% 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 Chesapeake or Rockford?
It depends on your priorities. Chesapeake has a cost index of 112 with median rent of $1,523/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 Chesapeake details → View Rockford details →

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