Cost of Living: Columbus, GA vs Rockford, IL (2026)

Columbus

Georgia
69
VS

Rockford

Illinois
57

Columbus is 21% more expensive than Rockford.

$1,072/mo ↑ 12%
Median Rent
$954/mo ↓ 11%
$56,622/yr ↑ 6%
Median Income
$53,328/yr ↓ 6%
$182,300 ↑ 51%
Home Value
$120,900 ↓ 34%
$1,064/mo ↑ 12%
Owner Costs
$947/mo ↓ 11%
204,383
Population
147,649

Tax Comparison

5.49%
Income Tax
4.95%
4.0%
State Sales Tax
6.25%
0.92%
Property Tax
2.07%

Affordability

22.7%
rent-to-income
Affordability
21.5%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Columbus, GA and Rockford, IL, the overall cost of living indices are 69 and 57 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $118/month cheaper in Rockford, saving renters about $1,416/year.

Median household income is $3,294/year higher in Columbus. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Columbus is $182,300 compared to $120,900 in Rockford.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Columbus vs Rockford — common questions

Is Columbus 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 Columbus and Rockford?
Median rent in Columbus is $1,072/month and in Rockford it's $954/month — a difference of $118/month.
Which city has higher income, Columbus or Rockford?
Median household income is $56,622 in Columbus and $53,328 in Rockford. Median household income is $3,294/year higher in Columbus.
How do taxes compare between Georgia and Illinois?
Georgia has 5.49% income tax, 4.0% sales tax, and 0.92% property tax. Illinois has 4.95% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 2.07% property tax.
Should I move to Columbus or Rockford?
It depends on your priorities. Columbus has a cost index of 69 with median rent of $1,072/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 Columbus and Rockford

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