Cost of Living: Chicago, IL vs Rockford, IL (2026)

Chicago

Illinois
100
VS

Rockford

Illinois
57

Chicago is 75% more expensive than Rockford.

$1,380/mo ↑ 45%
Median Rent
$954/mo ↓ 31%
$75,134/yr ↑ 41%
Median Income
$53,328/yr ↓ 29%
$315,200 ↑ 161%
Home Value
$120,900 ↓ 62%
$1,502/mo ↑ 59%
Owner Costs
$947/mo ↓ 37%
2,707,648
Population
147,649

Tax Comparison

4.95%
Income Tax
4.95%
6.25%
State Sales Tax
6.25%
2.07%
Property Tax
2.07%

Affordability

22.0%
rent-to-income
Affordability
21.5%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Chicago, IL and Rockford, IL, the overall cost of living indices are 100 and 57 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $426/month cheaper in Rockford, saving renters about $5,112/year.

Median household income is $21,806/year higher in Chicago. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Chicago is $315,200 compared to $120,900 in Rockford.

Both cities share the same state tax structure since they are in Illinois.

Frequently Asked Questions

Chicago vs Rockford — common questions

Is Chicago or Rockford cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Rockford is cheaper to live in with an index of 57 compared to 100 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Chicago and Rockford?
Median rent in Chicago is $1,380/month and in Rockford it's $954/month — a difference of $426/month.
Which city has higher income, Chicago or Rockford?
Median household income is $75,134 in Chicago and $53,328 in Rockford. Median household income is $21,806/year higher in Chicago.
How do taxes compare between Illinois and Illinois?
Both cities are in Illinois and share the same state tax rates: 4.95% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 2.07% property tax.
Should I move to Chicago or Rockford?
It depends on your priorities. Chicago has a cost index of 100 with median rent of $1,380/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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