Cost of Living: Dallas, TX vs Rockford, IL (2026)

Dallas

Texas
97
VS

Rockford

Illinois
57

Dallas is 70% more expensive than Rockford.

$1,403/mo ↑ 47%
Median Rent
$954/mo ↓ 32%
$67,760/yr ↑ 27%
Median Income
$53,328/yr ↓ 21%
$295,300 ↑ 144%
Home Value
$120,900 ↓ 59%
$1,409/mo ↑ 49%
Owner Costs
$947/mo ↓ 33%
1,299,553
Population
147,649

Tax Comparison

0%
Income Tax
4.95%
6.25%
State Sales Tax
6.25%
1.6%
Property Tax
2.07%

Affordability

24.8%
rent-to-income
Affordability
21.5%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Dallas, TX and Rockford, IL, the overall cost of living indices are 97 and 57 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $449/month cheaper in Rockford, saving renters about $5,388/year.

Median household income is $14,432/year higher in Dallas. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Dallas is $295,300 compared to $120,900 in Rockford.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Dallas vs Rockford — common questions

Is Dallas or Rockford cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Rockford is cheaper to live in with an index of 57 compared to 97 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Dallas and Rockford?
Median rent in Dallas is $1,403/month and in Rockford it's $954/month — a difference of $449/month.
Which city has higher income, Dallas or Rockford?
Median household income is $67,760 in Dallas and $53,328 in Rockford. Median household income is $14,432/year higher in Dallas.
How do taxes compare between Texas and Illinois?
Texas has 0% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 1.6% property tax. Illinois has 4.95% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 2.07% property tax.
Should I move to Dallas or Rockford?
It depends on your priorities. Dallas has a cost index of 97 with median rent of $1,403/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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