Cost of Living: Lexington, KY vs Rockford, IL (2026)

Lexington

Kentucky
82
VS

Rockford

Illinois
57

Lexington is 44% more expensive than Rockford.

$1,101/mo ↑ 15%
Median Rent
$954/mo ↓ 13%
$67,631/yr ↑ 27%
Median Income
$53,328/yr ↓ 21%
$272,100 ↑ 125%
Home Value
$120,900 ↓ 56%
$1,160/mo ↑ 22%
Owner Costs
$947/mo ↓ 18%
321,122
Population
147,649

Tax Comparison

4.0%
Income Tax
4.95%
6.0%
State Sales Tax
6.25%
0.83%
Property Tax
2.07%

Affordability

19.5%
rent-to-income
Affordability
21.5%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Lexington, KY and Rockford, IL, the overall cost of living indices are 82 and 57 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $147/month cheaper in Rockford, saving renters about $1,764/year.

Median household income is $14,303/year higher in Lexington. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Lexington is $272,100 compared to $120,900 in Rockford.

Kentucky has a lower income tax rate, making Lexington slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Lexington vs Rockford — common questions

Is Lexington or Rockford cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Rockford is cheaper to live in with an index of 57 compared to 82 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Lexington and Rockford?
Median rent in Lexington is $1,101/month and in Rockford it's $954/month — a difference of $147/month.
Which city has higher income, Lexington or Rockford?
Median household income is $67,631 in Lexington and $53,328 in Rockford. Median household income is $14,303/year higher in Lexington.
How do taxes compare between Kentucky and Illinois?
Kentucky has 4.0% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 0.83% property tax. Illinois has 4.95% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 2.07% property tax.
Should I move to Lexington or Rockford?
It depends on your priorities. Lexington has a cost index of 82 with median rent of $1,101/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.
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