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

Louisville

Kentucky
74
VS

Rockford

Illinois
57

Louisville is 30% more expensive than Rockford.

$1,069/mo ↑ 12%
Median Rent
$954/mo ↓ 11%
$64,731/yr ↑ 21%
Median Income
$53,328/yr ↓ 18%
$221,500 ↑ 83%
Home Value
$120,900 ↓ 45%
$1,118/mo ↑ 18%
Owner Costs
$947/mo ↓ 15%
627,210
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

19.8%
rent-to-income
Affordability
21.5%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Louisville, KY and Rockford, IL, the overall cost of living indices are 74 and 57 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $115/month cheaper in Rockford, saving renters about $1,380/year.

Median household income is $11,403/year higher in Louisville. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Louisville is $221,500 compared to $120,900 in Rockford.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Louisville vs Rockford — common questions

Is Louisville 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 Louisville and Rockford?
Median rent in Louisville is $1,069/month and in Rockford it's $954/month — a difference of $115/month.
Which city has higher income, Louisville or Rockford?
Median household income is $64,731 in Louisville and $53,328 in Rockford. Median household income is $11,403/year higher in Louisville.
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 Louisville or Rockford?
It depends on your priorities. Louisville has a cost index of 74 with median rent of $1,069/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 Louisville details → View Rockford details →

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