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

Fort Collins

Colorado
137
VS

Rockford

Illinois
57

Fort Collins is 140% more expensive than Rockford.

$1,661/mo ↑ 74%
Median Rent
$954/mo ↓ 43%
$83,598/yr ↑ 57%
Median Income
$53,328/yr ↓ 36%
$548,400 ↑ 354%
Home Value
$120,900 ↓ 78%
$1,692/mo ↑ 79%
Owner Costs
$947/mo ↓ 44%
169,705
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

23.8%
rent-to-income
Affordability
21.5%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Fort Collins, CO and Rockford, IL, the overall cost of living indices are 137 and 57 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $707/month cheaper in Rockford, saving renters about $8,484/year.

Median household income is $30,270/year higher in Fort Collins. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Fort Collins is $548,400 compared to $120,900 in Rockford.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Fort Collins vs Rockford — common questions

Is Fort Collins or Rockford cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Rockford is cheaper to live in with an index of 57 compared to 137 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Fort Collins and Rockford?
Median rent in Fort Collins is $1,661/month and in Rockford it's $954/month — a difference of $707/month.
Which city has higher income, Fort Collins or Rockford?
Median household income is $83,598 in Fort Collins and $53,328 in Rockford. Median household income is $30,270/year higher in Fort Collins.
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 Fort Collins or Rockford?
It depends on your priorities. Fort Collins has a cost index of 137 with median rent of $1,661/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 Fort Collins details → View Rockford details →

More Comparisons

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