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

Houston

Texas
88
VS

Rockford

Illinois
57

Houston is 54% more expensive than Rockford.

$1,313/mo ↑ 38%
Median Rent
$954/mo ↓ 27%
$62,894/yr ↑ 18%
Median Income
$53,328/yr ↓ 15%
$253,400 ↑ 110%
Home Value
$120,900 ↓ 52%
$1,316/mo ↑ 39%
Owner Costs
$947/mo ↓ 28%
2,300,419
Population
147,649

Tax Comparison

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

Affordability

25.1%
rent-to-income
Affordability
21.5%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Houston, TX and Rockford, IL, the overall cost of living indices are 88 and 57 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $359/month cheaper in Rockford, saving renters about $4,308/year.

Median household income is $9,566/year higher in Houston. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Houston is $253,400 compared to $120,900 in Rockford.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Houston vs Rockford — common questions

Is Houston or Rockford cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Rockford is cheaper to live in with an index of 57 compared to 88 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Houston and Rockford?
Median rent in Houston is $1,313/month and in Rockford it's $954/month — a difference of $359/month.
Which city has higher income, Houston or Rockford?
Median household income is $62,894 in Houston and $53,328 in Rockford. Median household income is $9,566/year higher in Houston.
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 Houston or Rockford?
It depends on your priorities. Houston has a cost index of 88 with median rent of $1,313/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 Houston details → View Rockford details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Houston and Rockford

Houston vs. Chicago Houston vs. Phoenix Houston vs. Los Angeles Houston vs. Philadelphia Houston vs. New York Houston vs. San Antonio Rockford vs. Bridgeport Rockford vs. Savannah Rockford vs. Pomona Rockford vs. Denton Rockford vs. Mesquite Rockford vs. Syracuse