Cost of Living: Killeen, TX vs Rockford, IL (2026)

Killeen

Texas
75
VS

Rockford

Illinois
57

Killeen is 32% more expensive than Rockford.

$1,147/mo ↑ 20%
Median Rent
$954/mo ↓ 17%
$58,339/yr ↑ 9%
Median Income
$53,328/yr ↓ 9%
$196,000 ↑ 62%
Home Value
$120,900 ↓ 38%
$1,176/mo ↑ 24%
Owner Costs
$947/mo ↓ 19%
156,144
Population
147,649

Tax Comparison

0%
Income Tax
4.95%
6.25%
State Sales Tax
6.25%
1.6%
Property Tax
2.07%

Affordability

23.6%
rent-to-income
Affordability
21.5%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Killeen, TX and Rockford, IL, the overall cost of living indices are 75 and 57 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $193/month cheaper in Rockford, saving renters about $2,316/year.

Median household income is $5,011/year higher in Killeen. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Killeen is $196,000 compared to $120,900 in Rockford.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Killeen vs Rockford — common questions

Is Killeen or Rockford cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Rockford is cheaper to live in with an index of 57 compared to 75 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Killeen and Rockford?
Median rent in Killeen is $1,147/month and in Rockford it's $954/month — a difference of $193/month.
Which city has higher income, Killeen or Rockford?
Median household income is $58,339 in Killeen and $53,328 in Rockford. Median household income is $5,011/year higher in Killeen.
How do taxes compare between Texas and Illinois?
Texas has 0% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 1.6% property tax. Illinois has 4.95% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 2.07% property tax.
Should I move to Killeen or Rockford?
It depends on your priorities. Killeen has a cost index of 75 with median rent of $1,147/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 Killeen details → View Rockford details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Killeen and Rockford

Killeen vs. Lakewood Killeen vs. Kansas City Killeen vs. Macon Killeen vs. Springfield Killeen vs. Alexandria Killeen vs. Sunnyvale Rockford vs. Bridgeport Rockford vs. Savannah Rockford vs. Pomona Rockford vs. Denton Rockford vs. Mesquite Rockford vs. Syracuse