Cost of Living: Eugene, OR vs Rockford, IL (2026)

Eugene

Oregon
111
VS

Rockford

Illinois
57

Eugene is 95% more expensive than Rockford.

$1,347/mo ↑ 41%
Median Rent
$954/mo ↓ 29%
$63,836/yr ↑ 20%
Median Income
$53,328/yr ↓ 16%
$435,400 ↑ 260%
Home Value
$120,900 ↓ 72%
$1,421/mo ↑ 50%
Owner Costs
$947/mo ↓ 33%
177,520
Population
147,649

Tax Comparison

9.9%
Income Tax
4.95%
0%
State Sales Tax
6.25%
0.93%
Property Tax
2.07%

Affordability

25.3%
rent-to-income
Affordability
21.5%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Eugene, OR and Rockford, IL, the overall cost of living indices are 111 and 57 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $393/month cheaper in Rockford, saving renters about $4,716/year.

Median household income is $10,508/year higher in Eugene. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Eugene is $435,400 compared to $120,900 in Rockford.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Eugene vs Rockford — common questions

Is Eugene or Rockford cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Rockford is cheaper to live in with an index of 57 compared to 111 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Eugene and Rockford?
Median rent in Eugene is $1,347/month and in Rockford it's $954/month — a difference of $393/month.
Which city has higher income, Eugene or Rockford?
Median household income is $63,836 in Eugene and $53,328 in Rockford. Median household income is $10,508/year higher in Eugene.
How do taxes compare between Oregon and Illinois?
Oregon has 9.9% income tax, 0% sales tax, and 0.93% property tax. Illinois has 4.95% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 2.07% property tax.
Should I move to Eugene or Rockford?
It depends on your priorities. Eugene has a cost index of 111 with median rent of $1,347/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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