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

Grand Prairie

Texas
98
VS

Rockford

Illinois
57

Grand Prairie is 72% more expensive than Rockford.

$1,470/mo ↑ 54%
Median Rent
$954/mo ↓ 35%
$78,889/yr ↑ 48%
Median Income
$53,328/yr ↓ 32%
$272,200 ↑ 125%
Home Value
$120,900 ↓ 56%
$1,480/mo ↑ 56%
Owner Costs
$947/mo ↓ 36%
198,564
Population
147,649

Tax Comparison

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

Affordability

22.4%
rent-to-income
Affordability
21.5%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Grand Prairie, TX and Rockford, IL, the overall cost of living indices are 98 and 57 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $516/month cheaper in Rockford, saving renters about $6,192/year.

Median household income is $25,561/year higher in Grand Prairie. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Grand Prairie is $272,200 compared to $120,900 in Rockford.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Grand Prairie vs Rockford — common questions

Is Grand Prairie or Rockford cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Rockford is cheaper to live in with an index of 57 compared to 98 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Grand Prairie and Rockford?
Median rent in Grand Prairie is $1,470/month and in Rockford it's $954/month — a difference of $516/month.
Which city has higher income, Grand Prairie or Rockford?
Median household income is $78,889 in Grand Prairie and $53,328 in Rockford. Median household income is $25,561/year higher in Grand Prairie.
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 Grand Prairie or Rockford?
It depends on your priorities. Grand Prairie has a cost index of 98 with median rent of $1,470/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 Grand Prairie details → View Rockford details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Grand Prairie and Rockford

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