Cost of Living: Jackson, MS vs Rockford, IL (2026)

Jackson

Mississippi
58
VS

Rockford

Illinois
57

Jackson and Rockford have a similar cost of living.

$1,018/mo ↑ 7%
Median Rent
$954/mo ↓ 6%
$43,238/yr ↓ 19%
Median Income
$53,328/yr ↑ 23%
$108,200 ↓ 11%
Home Value
$120,900 ↑ 12%
$956/mo ≈ Same
Owner Costs
$947/mo ≈ Same
149,827
Population
147,649

Tax Comparison

5.0%
Income Tax
4.95%
7.0%
State Sales Tax
6.25%
0.67%
Property Tax
2.07%

Affordability

28.3%
rent-to-income
Affordability
21.5%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Jackson, MS and Rockford, IL, the overall cost of living indices are 58 and 57 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $64/month cheaper in Rockford, saving renters about $768/year.

Median household income is $10,090/year higher in Rockford. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Jackson is $108,200 compared to $120,900 in Rockford.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Jackson vs Rockford — common questions

Is Jackson or Rockford cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Rockford is cheaper to live in with an index of 57 compared to 58 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Jackson and Rockford?
Median rent in Jackson is $1,018/month and in Rockford it's $954/month — a difference of $64/month.
Which city has higher income, Jackson or Rockford?
Median household income is $43,238 in Jackson and $53,328 in Rockford. Median household income is $10,090/year higher in Rockford.
How do taxes compare between Mississippi and Illinois?
Mississippi has 5.0% income tax, 7.0% sales tax, and 0.67% property tax. Illinois has 4.95% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 2.07% property tax.
Should I move to Jackson or Rockford?
It depends on your priorities. Jackson has a cost index of 58 with median rent of $1,018/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 Jackson details → View Rockford details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Jackson and Rockford

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