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

Cleveland

Ohio
51
VS

Rockford

Illinois
57

Cleveland is 11% cheaper than Rockford.

$894/mo ↓ 6%
Median Rent
$954/mo ↑ 7%
$39,187/yr ↓ 27%
Median Income
$53,328/yr ↑ 36%
$94,100 ↓ 22%
Home Value
$120,900 ↑ 28%
$866/mo ↓ 9%
Owner Costs
$947/mo ↑ 9%
367,523
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

27.4%
rent-to-income
Affordability
21.5%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Cleveland, OH and Rockford, IL, the overall cost of living indices are 51 and 57 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $60/month cheaper in Cleveland, saving renters about $720/year.

Median household income is $14,141/year higher in Rockford. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Cleveland is $94,100 compared to $120,900 in Rockford.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Cleveland vs Rockford — common questions

Is Cleveland or Rockford cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Cleveland is cheaper to live in with an index of 51 compared to 57 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Cleveland and Rockford?
Median rent in Cleveland is $894/month and in Rockford it's $954/month — a difference of $60/month.
Which city has higher income, Cleveland or Rockford?
Median household income is $39,187 in Cleveland and $53,328 in Rockford. Median household income is $14,141/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 Cleveland or Rockford?
It depends on your priorities. Cleveland has a cost index of 51 with median rent of $894/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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