Cost of Living: Durham, NC vs Rockford, IL (2026)

Durham

North Carolina
105
VS

Rockford

Illinois
57

Durham is 84% more expensive than Rockford.

$1,412/mo ↑ 48%
Median Rent
$954/mo ↓ 32%
$79,234/yr ↑ 49%
Median Income
$53,328/yr ↓ 33%
$355,300 ↑ 194%
Home Value
$120,900 ↓ 66%
$1,434/mo ↑ 51%
Owner Costs
$947/mo ↓ 34%
288,465
Population
147,649

Tax Comparison

4.5%
Income Tax
4.95%
4.75%
State Sales Tax
6.25%
0.8%
Property Tax
2.07%

Affordability

21.4%
rent-to-income
Affordability
21.5%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Durham, NC and Rockford, IL, the overall cost of living indices are 105 and 57 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $458/month cheaper in Rockford, saving renters about $5,496/year.

Median household income is $25,906/year higher in Durham. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Durham is $355,300 compared to $120,900 in Rockford.

North Carolina has a lower income tax rate, making Durham slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Durham vs Rockford — common questions

Is Durham or Rockford cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Rockford is cheaper to live in with an index of 57 compared to 105 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Durham and Rockford?
Median rent in Durham is $1,412/month and in Rockford it's $954/month — a difference of $458/month.
Which city has higher income, Durham or Rockford?
Median household income is $79,234 in Durham and $53,328 in Rockford. Median household income is $25,906/year higher in Durham.
How do taxes compare between North Carolina and Illinois?
North Carolina has 4.5% income tax, 4.75% sales tax, and 0.8% property tax. Illinois has 4.95% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 2.07% property tax.
Should I move to Durham or Rockford?
It depends on your priorities. Durham has a cost index of 105 with median rent of $1,412/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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