Cost of Living: Little Rock, AR vs Rockford, IL (2026)

Little Rock

Arkansas
74
VS

Rockford

Illinois
57

Little Rock is 30% more expensive than Rockford.

$1,067/mo ↑ 12%
Median Rent
$954/mo ↓ 11%
$60,583/yr ↑ 14%
Median Income
$53,328/yr ↓ 12%
$221,200 ↑ 83%
Home Value
$120,900 ↓ 45%
$1,099/mo ↑ 16%
Owner Costs
$947/mo ↓ 14%
202,739
Population
147,649

Tax Comparison

4.4%
Income Tax
4.95%
6.5%
State Sales Tax
6.25%
0.62%
Property Tax
2.07%

Affordability

21.1%
rent-to-income
Affordability
21.5%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Little Rock, AR and Rockford, IL, the overall cost of living indices are 74 and 57 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $113/month cheaper in Rockford, saving renters about $1,356/year.

Median household income is $7,255/year higher in Little Rock. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Little Rock is $221,200 compared to $120,900 in Rockford.

Arkansas has a lower income tax rate, making Little Rock slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Little Rock vs Rockford — common questions

Is Little Rock 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 Little Rock and Rockford?
Median rent in Little Rock is $1,067/month and in Rockford it's $954/month — a difference of $113/month.
Which city has higher income, Little Rock or Rockford?
Median household income is $60,583 in Little Rock and $53,328 in Rockford. Median household income is $7,255/year higher in Little Rock.
How do taxes compare between Arkansas and Illinois?
Arkansas has 4.4% income tax, 6.5% sales tax, and 0.62% property tax. Illinois has 4.95% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 2.07% property tax.
Should I move to Little Rock or Rockford?
It depends on your priorities. Little Rock has a cost index of 74 with median rent of $1,067/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 Little Rock details → View Rockford details →

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