Cost of Living: Grand Rapids, MI vs Rockford, IL (2026)

Grand Rapids

Michigan
79
VS

Rockford

Illinois
57

Grand Rapids is 39% more expensive than Rockford.

$1,191/mo ↑ 25%
Median Rent
$954/mo ↓ 20%
$65,526/yr ↑ 23%
Median Income
$53,328/yr ↓ 19%
$225,500 ↑ 87%
Home Value
$120,900 ↓ 46%
$1,136/mo ↑ 20%
Owner Costs
$947/mo ↓ 17%
197,768
Population
147,649

Tax Comparison

4.25%
Income Tax
4.95%
6.0%
State Sales Tax
6.25%
1.38%
Property Tax
2.07%

Affordability

21.8%
rent-to-income
Affordability
21.5%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Grand Rapids, MI and Rockford, IL, the overall cost of living indices are 79 and 57 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $237/month cheaper in Rockford, saving renters about $2,844/year.

Median household income is $12,198/year higher in Grand Rapids. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Grand Rapids is $225,500 compared to $120,900 in Rockford.

Michigan has a lower income tax rate, making Grand Rapids slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Grand Rapids vs Rockford — common questions

Is Grand Rapids or Rockford cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Rockford is cheaper to live in with an index of 57 compared to 79 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Grand Rapids and Rockford?
Median rent in Grand Rapids is $1,191/month and in Rockford it's $954/month — a difference of $237/month.
Which city has higher income, Grand Rapids or Rockford?
Median household income is $65,526 in Grand Rapids and $53,328 in Rockford. Median household income is $12,198/year higher in Grand Rapids.
How do taxes compare between Michigan and Illinois?
Michigan has 4.25% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 1.38% property tax. Illinois has 4.95% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 2.07% property tax.
Should I move to Grand Rapids or Rockford?
It depends on your priorities. Grand Rapids has a cost index of 79 with median rent of $1,191/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 Rapids details → View Rockford details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Grand Rapids and Rockford

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