Cost of Living: Knoxville, TN vs Rockford, IL (2026)

Knoxville

Tennessee
74
VS

Rockford

Illinois
57

Knoxville is 30% more expensive than Rockford.

$1,116/mo ↑ 17%
Median Rent
$954/mo ↓ 15%
$50,994/yr ↓ 4%
Median Income
$53,328/yr ↑ 5%
$214,000 ↑ 77%
Home Value
$120,900 ↓ 44%
$1,075/mo ↑ 14%
Owner Costs
$947/mo ↓ 12%
193,721
Population
147,649

Tax Comparison

0%
Income Tax
4.95%
7.0%
State Sales Tax
6.25%
0.64%
Property Tax
2.07%

Affordability

26.3%
rent-to-income
Affordability
21.5%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Knoxville, TN and Rockford, IL, the overall cost of living indices are 74 and 57 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $162/month cheaper in Rockford, saving renters about $1,944/year.

Median household income is $2,334/year higher in Rockford. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Knoxville is $214,000 compared to $120,900 in Rockford.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Knoxville vs Rockford — common questions

Is Knoxville or Rockford cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Rockford is cheaper to live in with an index of 57 compared to 74 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Knoxville and Rockford?
Median rent in Knoxville is $1,116/month and in Rockford it's $954/month — a difference of $162/month.
Which city has higher income, Knoxville or Rockford?
Median household income is $50,994 in Knoxville and $53,328 in Rockford. Median household income is $2,334/year higher in Rockford.
How do taxes compare between Tennessee and Illinois?
Tennessee has 0% income tax, 7.0% sales tax, and 0.64% property tax. Illinois has 4.95% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 2.07% property tax.
Should I move to Knoxville or Rockford?
It depends on your priorities. Knoxville has a cost index of 74 with median rent of $1,116/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 Knoxville details → View Rockford details →

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