Cost of Living: Kansas City, KS vs Rockford, IL (2026)

Kansas City

Kansas City
65
VS

Rockford

Illinois
57

Kansas City is 14% more expensive than Rockford.

$1,073/mo ↑ 12%
Median Rent
$954/mo ↓ 11%
$59,183/yr ↑ 11%
Median Income
$53,328/yr ↓ 10%
$147,100 ↑ 22%
Home Value
$120,900 ↓ 18%
$1,054/mo ↑ 11%
Owner Costs
$947/mo ↓ 10%
154,776
Population
147,649

Tax Comparison

5.7%
Income Tax
4.95%
6.5%
State Sales Tax
6.25%
1.41%
Property Tax
2.07%

Affordability

21.8%
rent-to-income
Affordability
21.5%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Kansas City, KS and Rockford, IL, the overall cost of living indices are 65 and 57 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $119/month cheaper in Rockford, saving renters about $1,428/year.

Median household income is $5,855/year higher in Kansas City. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Kansas City is $147,100 compared to $120,900 in Rockford.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Kansas City vs Rockford — common questions

Is Kansas 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 65 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Kansas City and Rockford?
Median rent in Kansas City is $1,073/month and in Rockford it's $954/month — a difference of $119/month.
Which city has higher income, Kansas City or Rockford?
Median household income is $59,183 in Kansas City and $53,328 in Rockford. Median household income is $5,855/year higher in Kansas City.
How do taxes compare between Kansas and Illinois?
Kansas has 5.7% income tax, 6.5% sales tax, and 1.41% property tax. Illinois has 4.95% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 2.07% property tax.
Should I move to Kansas City or Rockford?
It depends on your priorities. Kansas City has a cost index of 65 with median rent of $1,073/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 Kansas City details → View Rockford details →

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