Cost of Living: Denver, CO vs Rockford, IL (2026)

Denver

Colorado
147
VS

Rockford

Illinois
57

Denver is 158% more expensive than Rockford.

$1,770/mo ↑ 86%
Median Rent
$954/mo ↓ 46%
$91,681/yr ↑ 72%
Median Income
$53,328/yr ↓ 42%
$586,700 ↑ 385%
Home Value
$120,900 ↓ 79%
$1,839/mo ↑ 94%
Owner Costs
$947/mo ↓ 49%
713,734
Population
147,649

Tax Comparison

4.4%
Income Tax
4.95%
2.9%
State Sales Tax
6.25%
0.51%
Property Tax
2.07%

Affordability

23.2%
rent-to-income
Affordability
21.5%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Denver, CO and Rockford, IL, the overall cost of living indices are 147 and 57 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $816/month cheaper in Rockford, saving renters about $9,792/year.

Median household income is $38,353/year higher in Denver. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Denver is $586,700 compared to $120,900 in Rockford.

Colorado has a lower income tax rate, making Denver slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Denver vs Rockford — common questions

Is Denver or Rockford cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Rockford is cheaper to live in with an index of 57 compared to 147 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Denver and Rockford?
Median rent in Denver is $1,770/month and in Rockford it's $954/month — a difference of $816/month.
Which city has higher income, Denver or Rockford?
Median household income is $91,681 in Denver and $53,328 in Rockford. Median household income is $38,353/year higher in Denver.
How do taxes compare between Colorado and Illinois?
Colorado has 4.4% income tax, 2.9% sales tax, and 0.51% property tax. Illinois has 4.95% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 2.07% property tax.
Should I move to Denver or Rockford?
It depends on your priorities. Denver has a cost index of 147 with median rent of $1,770/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 Denver details → View Rockford details →

More Comparisons

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