Cost of Living: Lakewood, CO vs Rockford, IL (2026)

Lakewood

Colorado
141
VS

Rockford

Illinois
57

Lakewood is 147% more expensive than Rockford.

$1,746/mo ↑ 83%
Median Rent
$954/mo ↓ 45%
$85,789/yr ↑ 61%
Median Income
$53,328/yr ↓ 38%
$548,200 ↑ 353%
Home Value
$120,900 ↓ 78%
$1,729/mo ↑ 83%
Owner Costs
$947/mo ↓ 45%
156,309
Population
147,649

Tax Comparison

4.4%
Income Tax
4.95%
2.9%
State Sales Tax
6.25%
0.51%
Property Tax
2.07%

Affordability

24.4%
rent-to-income
Affordability
21.5%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Lakewood, CO and Rockford, IL, the overall cost of living indices are 141 and 57 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $792/month cheaper in Rockford, saving renters about $9,504/year.

Median household income is $32,461/year higher in Lakewood. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Lakewood is $548,200 compared to $120,900 in Rockford.

Colorado has a lower income tax rate, making Lakewood slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Lakewood vs Rockford — common questions

Is Lakewood or Rockford cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Rockford is cheaper to live in with an index of 57 compared to 141 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Lakewood and Rockford?
Median rent in Lakewood is $1,746/month and in Rockford it's $954/month — a difference of $792/month.
Which city has higher income, Lakewood or Rockford?
Median household income is $85,789 in Lakewood and $53,328 in Rockford. Median household income is $32,461/year higher in Lakewood.
How do taxes compare between Colorado and Illinois?
Colorado has 4.4% income tax, 2.9% sales tax, and 0.51% property tax. Illinois has 4.95% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 2.07% property tax.
Should I move to Lakewood or Rockford?
It depends on your priorities. Lakewood has a cost index of 141 with median rent of $1,746/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 Lakewood details → View Rockford details →

More Comparisons

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