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

Garland

Texas
96
VS

Rockford

Illinois
57

Garland is 68% more expensive than Rockford.

$1,525/mo ↑ 60%
Median Rent
$954/mo ↓ 37%
$74,717/yr ↑ 40%
Median Income
$53,328/yr ↓ 29%
$248,900 ↑ 106%
Home Value
$120,900 ↓ 51%
$1,445/mo ↑ 53%
Owner Costs
$947/mo ↓ 34%
245,298
Population
147,649

Tax Comparison

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

Affordability

24.5%
rent-to-income
Affordability
21.5%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Garland, TX and Rockford, IL, the overall cost of living indices are 96 and 57 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $571/month cheaper in Rockford, saving renters about $6,852/year.

Median household income is $21,389/year higher in Garland. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Garland is $248,900 compared to $120,900 in Rockford.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Garland vs Rockford — common questions

Is Garland or Rockford cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Rockford is cheaper to live in with an index of 57 compared to 96 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Garland and Rockford?
Median rent in Garland is $1,525/month and in Rockford it's $954/month — a difference of $571/month.
Which city has higher income, Garland or Rockford?
Median household income is $74,717 in Garland and $53,328 in Rockford. Median household income is $21,389/year higher in Garland.
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 Garland or Rockford?
It depends on your priorities. Garland has a cost index of 96 with median rent of $1,525/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 Garland details → View Rockford details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Garland and Rockford

Garland vs. Glendale Garland vs. Scottsdale Garland vs. Winston-Salem Garland vs. Boise Garland vs. Chesapeake Garland vs. Arlington Rockford vs. Bridgeport Rockford vs. Savannah Rockford vs. Pomona Rockford vs. Denton Rockford vs. Mesquite Rockford vs. Syracuse