Cost of Living: Jersey City, NJ vs Rockford, IL (2026)

Jersey City

New Jersey
148
VS

Rockford

Illinois
57

Jersey City is 160% more expensive than Rockford.

$1,902/mo ↑ 99%
Median Rent
$954/mo ↓ 50%
$94,813/yr ↑ 78%
Median Income
$53,328/yr ↓ 44%
$534,500 ↑ 342%
Home Value
$120,900 ↓ 77%
$2,006/mo ↑ 112%
Owner Costs
$947/mo ↓ 53%
289,691
Population
147,649

Tax Comparison

10.75%
Income Tax
4.95%
6.625%
State Sales Tax
6.25%
2.23%
Property Tax
2.07%

Affordability

24.1%
rent-to-income
Affordability
21.5%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Jersey City, NJ and Rockford, IL, the overall cost of living indices are 148 and 57 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $948/month cheaper in Rockford, saving renters about $11,376/year.

Median household income is $41,485/year higher in Jersey City. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Jersey City is $534,500 compared to $120,900 in Rockford.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Jersey City vs Rockford — common questions

Is Jersey City or Rockford cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Rockford is cheaper to live in with an index of 57 compared to 148 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Jersey City and Rockford?
Median rent in Jersey City is $1,902/month and in Rockford it's $954/month — a difference of $948/month.
Which city has higher income, Jersey City or Rockford?
Median household income is $94,813 in Jersey City and $53,328 in Rockford. Median household income is $41,485/year higher in Jersey City.
How do taxes compare between New Jersey and Illinois?
New Jersey has 10.75% income tax, 6.625% sales tax, and 2.23% property tax. Illinois has 4.95% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 2.07% property tax.
Should I move to Jersey City or Rockford?
It depends on your priorities. Jersey City has a cost index of 148 with median rent of $1,902/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 Jersey City details → View Rockford details →

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