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

Glendale

Arizona
102
VS

Rockford

Illinois
57

Glendale is 79% more expensive than Rockford.

$1,397/mo ↑ 46%
Median Rent
$954/mo ↓ 32%
$70,139/yr ↑ 32%
Median Income
$53,328/yr ↓ 24%
$347,000 ↑ 187%
Home Value
$120,900 ↓ 65%
$1,356/mo ↑ 43%
Owner Costs
$947/mo ↓ 30%
250,193
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

23.9%
rent-to-income
Affordability
21.5%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Glendale, AZ and Rockford, IL, the overall cost of living indices are 102 and 57 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $443/month cheaper in Rockford, saving renters about $5,316/year.

Median household income is $16,811/year higher in Glendale. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Glendale is $347,000 compared to $120,900 in Rockford.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Glendale vs Rockford — common questions

Is Glendale or Rockford cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Rockford is cheaper to live in with an index of 57 compared to 102 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Glendale and Rockford?
Median rent in Glendale is $1,397/month and in Rockford it's $954/month — a difference of $443/month.
Which city has higher income, Glendale or Rockford?
Median household income is $70,139 in Glendale and $53,328 in Rockford. Median household income is $16,811/year higher in Glendale.
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 Glendale or Rockford?
It depends on your priorities. Glendale has a cost index of 102 with median rent of $1,397/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 Glendale details → View Rockford details →

More Comparisons

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