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

Clarksville

Tennessee
83
VS

Rockford

Illinois
57

Clarksville is 46% more expensive than Rockford.

$1,215/mo ↑ 27%
Median Rent
$954/mo ↓ 21%
$66,786/yr ↑ 25%
Median Income
$53,328/yr ↓ 20%
$236,100 ↑ 95%
Home Value
$120,900 ↓ 49%
$1,254/mo ↑ 32%
Owner Costs
$947/mo ↓ 24%
171,897
Population
147,649

Tax Comparison

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

Affordability

21.8%
rent-to-income
Affordability
21.5%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Clarksville, TN and Rockford, IL, the overall cost of living indices are 83 and 57 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $261/month cheaper in Rockford, saving renters about $3,132/year.

Median household income is $13,458/year higher in Clarksville. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Clarksville is $236,100 compared to $120,900 in Rockford.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Clarksville vs Rockford — common questions

Is Clarksville or Rockford cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Rockford is cheaper to live in with an index of 57 compared to 83 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Clarksville and Rockford?
Median rent in Clarksville is $1,215/month and in Rockford it's $954/month — a difference of $261/month.
Which city has higher income, Clarksville or Rockford?
Median household income is $66,786 in Clarksville and $53,328 in Rockford. Median household income is $13,458/year higher in Clarksville.
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 Clarksville or Rockford?
It depends on your priorities. Clarksville has a cost index of 83 with median rent of $1,215/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 Clarksville details → View Rockford details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Clarksville and Rockford

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