Cost of Living: Gilbert, AZ vs Rockford, IL (2026)

Gilbert

Arizona
148
VS

Rockford

Illinois
57

Gilbert is 160% more expensive than Rockford.

$2,028/mo ↑ 113%
Median Rent
$954/mo ↓ 53%
$121,351/yr ↑ 128%
Median Income
$53,328/yr ↓ 56%
$518,600 ↑ 329%
Home Value
$120,900 ↓ 77%
$1,908/mo ↑ 101%
Owner Costs
$947/mo ↓ 50%
271,118
Population
147,649

Tax Comparison

2.5%
Income Tax
4.95%
5.6%
State Sales Tax
6.25%
0.62%
Property Tax
2.07%

Affordability

20.1%
rent-to-income
Affordability
21.5%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Gilbert, AZ and Rockford, IL, the overall cost of living indices are 148 and 57 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $1,074/month cheaper in Rockford, saving renters about $12,888/year.

Median household income is $68,023/year higher in Gilbert. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Gilbert is $518,600 compared to $120,900 in Rockford.

Arizona has a lower income tax rate, making Gilbert slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Gilbert vs Rockford — common questions

Is Gilbert or Rockford cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Rockford is cheaper to live in with an index of 57 compared to 148 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Gilbert and Rockford?
Median rent in Gilbert is $2,028/month and in Rockford it's $954/month — a difference of $1,074/month.
Which city has higher income, Gilbert or Rockford?
Median household income is $121,351 in Gilbert and $53,328 in Rockford. Median household income is $68,023/year higher in Gilbert.
How do taxes compare between Arizona and Illinois?
Arizona has 2.5% income tax, 5.6% sales tax, and 0.62% property tax. Illinois has 4.95% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 2.07% property tax.
Should I move to Gilbert or Rockford?
It depends on your priorities. Gilbert has a cost index of 148 with median rent of $2,028/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 Gilbert details → View Rockford details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Gilbert and Rockford

Gilbert vs. Chula Vista Gilbert vs. North Las Vegas Gilbert vs. Madison Gilbert vs. Reno Gilbert vs. Buffalo Gilbert vs. Toledo Rockford vs. Bridgeport Rockford vs. Savannah Rockford vs. Pomona Rockford vs. Denton Rockford vs. Mesquite Rockford vs. Syracuse