Cost of Living: Huntsville, AL vs Rockford, IL (2026)

Huntsville

Alabama
78
VS

Rockford

Illinois
57

Huntsville is 37% more expensive than Rockford.

$1,078/mo ↑ 13%
Median Rent
$954/mo ↓ 12%
$70,778/yr ↑ 33%
Median Income
$53,328/yr ↓ 25%
$263,100 ↑ 118%
Home Value
$120,900 ↓ 54%
$1,046/mo ↑ 10%
Owner Costs
$947/mo ↓ 9%
218,814
Population
147,649

Tax Comparison

5.0%
Income Tax
4.95%
4.0%
State Sales Tax
6.25%
0.41%
Property Tax
2.07%

Affordability

18.3%
rent-to-income
Affordability
21.5%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Huntsville, AL and Rockford, IL, the overall cost of living indices are 78 and 57 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $124/month cheaper in Rockford, saving renters about $1,488/year.

Median household income is $17,450/year higher in Huntsville. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Huntsville is $263,100 compared to $120,900 in Rockford.

Illinois has a lower income tax rate, making Rockford slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Huntsville vs Rockford — common questions

Is Huntsville or Rockford cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Rockford is cheaper to live in with an index of 57 compared to 78 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Huntsville and Rockford?
Median rent in Huntsville is $1,078/month and in Rockford it's $954/month — a difference of $124/month.
Which city has higher income, Huntsville or Rockford?
Median household income is $70,778 in Huntsville and $53,328 in Rockford. Median household income is $17,450/year higher in Huntsville.
How do taxes compare between Alabama and Illinois?
Alabama has 5.0% income tax, 4.0% sales tax, and 0.41% property tax. Illinois has 4.95% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 2.07% property tax.
Should I move to Huntsville or Rockford?
It depends on your priorities. Huntsville has a cost index of 78 with median rent of $1,078/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 Huntsville details → View Rockford details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Huntsville and Rockford

Huntsville vs. Spring Valley Huntsville vs. Modesto Huntsville vs. Port St. Lucie Huntsville vs. Des Moines Huntsville vs. Tacoma Huntsville vs. Fontana Rockford vs. Bridgeport Rockford vs. Savannah Rockford vs. Pomona Rockford vs. Denton Rockford vs. Mesquite Rockford vs. Syracuse