Cost of Living: Des Moines, IA vs Rockford, IL (2026)

Des Moines

Iowa
70
VS

Rockford

Illinois
57

Des Moines is 23% more expensive than Rockford.

$1,054/mo ↑ 10%
Median Rent
$954/mo ↓ 9%
$63,966/yr ↑ 20%
Median Income
$53,328/yr ↓ 17%
$183,700 ↑ 52%
Home Value
$120,900 ↓ 34%
$1,137/mo ↑ 20%
Owner Costs
$947/mo ↓ 17%
212,464
Population
147,649

Tax Comparison

5.7%
Income Tax
4.95%
6.0%
State Sales Tax
6.25%
1.57%
Property Tax
2.07%

Affordability

19.8%
rent-to-income
Affordability
21.5%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Des Moines, IA and Rockford, IL, the overall cost of living indices are 70 and 57 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $100/month cheaper in Rockford, saving renters about $1,200/year.

Median household income is $10,638/year higher in Des Moines. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Des Moines is $183,700 compared to $120,900 in Rockford.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Des Moines vs Rockford — common questions

Is Des Moines or Rockford cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Rockford is cheaper to live in with an index of 57 compared to 70 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Des Moines and Rockford?
Median rent in Des Moines is $1,054/month and in Rockford it's $954/month — a difference of $100/month.
Which city has higher income, Des Moines or Rockford?
Median household income is $63,966 in Des Moines and $53,328 in Rockford. Median household income is $10,638/year higher in Des Moines.
How do taxes compare between Iowa and Illinois?
Iowa has 5.7% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 1.57% property tax. Illinois has 4.95% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 2.07% property tax.
Should I move to Des Moines or Rockford?
It depends on your priorities. Des Moines has a cost index of 70 with median rent of $1,054/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 Des Moines details → View Rockford details →

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