Cost of Living: Jacksonville, FL vs Rockford, IL (2026)

Jacksonville

Florida
92
VS

Rockford

Illinois
57

Jacksonville is 61% more expensive than Rockford.

$1,375/mo ↑ 44%
Median Rent
$954/mo ↓ 31%
$66,981/yr ↑ 26%
Median Income
$53,328/yr ↓ 20%
$266,100 ↑ 120%
Home Value
$120,900 ↓ 55%
$1,324/mo ↑ 40%
Owner Costs
$947/mo ↓ 28%
961,739
Population
147,649

Tax Comparison

0%
Income Tax
4.95%
6.0%
State Sales Tax
6.25%
0.86%
Property Tax
2.07%

Affordability

24.6%
rent-to-income
Affordability
21.5%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Jacksonville, FL and Rockford, IL, the overall cost of living indices are 92 and 57 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $421/month cheaper in Rockford, saving renters about $5,052/year.

Median household income is $13,653/year higher in Jacksonville. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Jacksonville is $266,100 compared to $120,900 in Rockford.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Jacksonville vs Rockford — common questions

Is Jacksonville or Rockford cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Rockford is cheaper to live in with an index of 57 compared to 92 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Jacksonville and Rockford?
Median rent in Jacksonville is $1,375/month and in Rockford it's $954/month — a difference of $421/month.
Which city has higher income, Jacksonville or Rockford?
Median household income is $66,981 in Jacksonville and $53,328 in Rockford. Median household income is $13,653/year higher in Jacksonville.
How do taxes compare between Florida and Illinois?
Florida has 0% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 0.86% property tax. Illinois has 4.95% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 2.07% property tax.
Should I move to Jacksonville or Rockford?
It depends on your priorities. Jacksonville has a cost index of 92 with median rent of $1,375/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.
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