Cost of Living: Detroit, MI vs Rockford, IL (2026)

Detroit

Michigan
53
VS

Rockford

Illinois
57

Detroit is 7% cheaper than Rockford.

$1,034/mo ↑ 8%
Median Rent
$954/mo ↓ 8%
$39,575/yr ↓ 26%
Median Income
$53,328/yr ↑ 35%
$76,800 ↓ 36%
Home Value
$120,900 ↑ 57%
$868/mo ↓ 8%
Owner Costs
$947/mo ↑ 9%
636,644
Population
147,649

Tax Comparison

4.25%
Income Tax
4.95%
6.0%
State Sales Tax
6.25%
1.38%
Property Tax
2.07%

Affordability

31.4%
rent-to-income
Affordability
21.5%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Detroit, MI and Rockford, IL, the overall cost of living indices are 53 and 57 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $80/month cheaper in Rockford, saving renters about $960/year.

Median household income is $13,753/year higher in Rockford. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Detroit is $76,800 compared to $120,900 in Rockford.

Michigan has a lower income tax rate, making Detroit slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Detroit vs Rockford — common questions

Is Detroit or Rockford cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Detroit is cheaper to live in with an index of 53 compared to 57 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Detroit and Rockford?
Median rent in Detroit is $1,034/month and in Rockford it's $954/month — a difference of $80/month.
Which city has higher income, Detroit or Rockford?
Median household income is $39,575 in Detroit and $53,328 in Rockford. Median household income is $13,753/year higher in Rockford.
How do taxes compare between Michigan and Illinois?
Michigan has 4.25% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 1.38% property tax. Illinois has 4.95% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 2.07% property tax.
Should I move to Detroit or Rockford?
It depends on your priorities. Detroit has a cost index of 53 with median rent of $1,034/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 Detroit details → View Rockford details →

More Comparisons

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