Cost of Living: Lincoln, NE vs Rockford, IL (2026)

Lincoln

Nebraska
77
VS

Rockford

Illinois
57

Lincoln is 35% more expensive than Rockford.

$1,045/mo ↑ 10%
Median Rent
$954/mo ↓ 9%
$69,991/yr ↑ 31%
Median Income
$53,328/yr ↓ 24%
$248,200 ↑ 105%
Home Value
$120,900 ↓ 51%
$1,140/mo ↑ 20%
Owner Costs
$947/mo ↓ 17%
291,932
Population
147,649

Tax Comparison

6.64%
Income Tax
4.95%
5.5%
State Sales Tax
6.25%
1.73%
Property Tax
2.07%

Affordability

17.9%
rent-to-income
Affordability
21.5%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Lincoln, NE and Rockford, IL, the overall cost of living indices are 77 and 57 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $91/month cheaper in Rockford, saving renters about $1,092/year.

Median household income is $16,663/year higher in Lincoln. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Lincoln is $248,200 compared to $120,900 in Rockford.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Lincoln vs Rockford — common questions

Is Lincoln or Rockford cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Rockford is cheaper to live in with an index of 57 compared to 77 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Lincoln and Rockford?
Median rent in Lincoln is $1,045/month and in Rockford it's $954/month — a difference of $91/month.
Which city has higher income, Lincoln or Rockford?
Median household income is $69,991 in Lincoln and $53,328 in Rockford. Median household income is $16,663/year higher in Lincoln.
How do taxes compare between Nebraska and Illinois?
Nebraska has 6.64% income tax, 5.5% sales tax, and 1.73% property tax. Illinois has 4.95% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 2.07% property tax.
Should I move to Lincoln or Rockford?
It depends on your priorities. Lincoln has a cost index of 77 with median rent of $1,045/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 Lincoln details → View Rockford details →

More Comparisons

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