Cost of Living: Fort Lauderdale, FL vs Rockford, IL (2026)

Fort Lauderdale

Florida
132
VS

Rockford

Illinois
57

Fort Lauderdale is 132% more expensive than Rockford.

$1,776/mo ↑ 86%
Median Rent
$954/mo ↓ 46%
$79,935/yr ↑ 50%
Median Income
$53,328/yr ↓ 33%
$455,600 ↑ 277%
Home Value
$120,900 ↓ 73%
$1,778/mo ↑ 88%
Owner Costs
$947/mo ↓ 47%
183,032
Population
147,649

Tax Comparison

0%
Income Tax
4.95%
6.0%
State Sales Tax
6.25%
0.86%
Property Tax
2.07%

Affordability

26.7%
rent-to-income
Affordability
21.5%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Fort Lauderdale, FL and Rockford, IL, the overall cost of living indices are 132 and 57 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $822/month cheaper in Rockford, saving renters about $9,864/year.

Median household income is $26,607/year higher in Fort Lauderdale. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Fort Lauderdale is $455,600 compared to $120,900 in Rockford.

Florida has no state income tax, giving Fort Lauderdale residents a significant tax advantage over Illinois's 4.95% rate.

Frequently Asked Questions

Fort Lauderdale vs Rockford — common questions

Is Fort Lauderdale or Rockford cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Rockford is cheaper to live in with an index of 57 compared to 132 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Fort Lauderdale and Rockford?
Median rent in Fort Lauderdale is $1,776/month and in Rockford it's $954/month — a difference of $822/month.
Which city has higher income, Fort Lauderdale or Rockford?
Median household income is $79,935 in Fort Lauderdale and $53,328 in Rockford. Median household income is $26,607/year higher in Fort Lauderdale.
How do taxes compare between Florida and Illinois?
Florida has 0% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 0.86% property tax. Illinois has 4.95% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 2.07% property tax.
Should I move to Fort Lauderdale or Rockford?
It depends on your priorities. Fort Lauderdale has a cost index of 132 with median rent of $1,776/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 Lauderdale details → View Rockford details →

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