Cost of Living: Cincinnati, OH vs Rockford, IL (2026)

Cincinnati

Ohio
69
VS

Rockford

Illinois
57

Cincinnati is 21% more expensive than Rockford.

$953/mo ≈ Same
Median Rent
$954/mo ≈ Same
$51,707/yr ↓ 3%
Median Income
$53,328/yr ↑ 3%
$215,300 ↑ 78%
Home Value
$120,900 ↓ 44%
$1,041/mo ↑ 10%
Owner Costs
$947/mo ↓ 9%
309,595
Population
147,649

Tax Comparison

3.5%
Income Tax
4.95%
5.75%
State Sales Tax
6.25%
1.53%
Property Tax
2.07%

Affordability

22.1%
rent-to-income
Affordability
21.5%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Cincinnati, OH and Rockford, IL, the overall cost of living indices are 69 and 57 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is comparable in both cities, with less than $50/month separating them.

Median household income is $1,621/year higher in Rockford. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Cincinnati is $215,300 compared to $120,900 in Rockford.

Ohio has a lower income tax rate, making Cincinnati slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Cincinnati vs Rockford — common questions

Is Cincinnati or Rockford cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Rockford is cheaper to live in with an index of 57 compared to 69 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Cincinnati and Rockford?
Median rent in Cincinnati is $953/month and in Rockford it's $954/month — a difference of $1/month.
Which city has higher income, Cincinnati or Rockford?
Median household income is $51,707 in Cincinnati and $53,328 in Rockford. Median household income is $1,621/year higher in Rockford.
How do taxes compare between Ohio and Illinois?
Ohio has 3.5% income tax, 5.75% sales tax, and 1.53% property tax. Illinois has 4.95% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 2.07% property tax.
Should I move to Cincinnati or Rockford?
It depends on your priorities. Cincinnati has a cost index of 69 with median rent of $953/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

Other cost of living comparisons for Cincinnati and Rockford

Cincinnati vs. Santa Ana Cincinnati vs. Irvine Cincinnati vs. Orlando Cincinnati vs. St. Paul Cincinnati vs. Riverside Cincinnati vs. Newark Rockford vs. Bridgeport Rockford vs. Savannah Rockford vs. Pomona Rockford vs. Denton Rockford vs. Mesquite Rockford vs. Syracuse