Cost of Living: Fort Worth, TX vs Rockford, IL (2026)

Fort Worth

Texas
97
VS

Rockford

Illinois
57

Fort Worth is 70% more expensive than Rockford.

$1,412/mo ↑ 48%
Median Rent
$954/mo ↓ 32%
$76,602/yr ↑ 44%
Median Income
$53,328/yr ↓ 30%
$277,300 ↑ 129%
Home Value
$120,900 ↓ 56%
$1,489/mo ↑ 57%
Owner Costs
$947/mo ↓ 36%
941,311
Population
147,649

Tax Comparison

0%
Income Tax
4.95%
6.25%
State Sales Tax
6.25%
1.6%
Property Tax
2.07%

Affordability

22.1%
rent-to-income
Affordability
21.5%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Fort Worth, TX and Rockford, IL, the overall cost of living indices are 97 and 57 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $458/month cheaper in Rockford, saving renters about $5,496/year.

Median household income is $23,274/year higher in Fort Worth. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Fort Worth is $277,300 compared to $120,900 in Rockford.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Fort Worth vs Rockford — common questions

Is Fort Worth or Rockford cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Rockford is cheaper to live in with an index of 57 compared to 97 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Fort Worth and Rockford?
Median rent in Fort Worth is $1,412/month and in Rockford it's $954/month — a difference of $458/month.
Which city has higher income, Fort Worth or Rockford?
Median household income is $76,602 in Fort Worth and $53,328 in Rockford. Median household income is $23,274/year higher in Fort Worth.
How do taxes compare between Texas and Illinois?
Texas has 0% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 1.6% property tax. Illinois has 4.95% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 2.07% property tax.
Should I move to Fort Worth or Rockford?
It depends on your priorities. Fort Worth has a cost index of 97 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.
View Fort Worth details → View Rockford details →

More Comparisons

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