Cost of Living: Macon, GA vs Rockford, IL (2026)

Macon

Georgia
65
VS

Rockford

Illinois
57

Macon is 14% more expensive than Rockford.

$1,026/mo ↑ 8%
Median Rent
$954/mo ↓ 7%
$50,747/yr ↓ 5%
Median Income
$53,328/yr ↑ 5%
$165,800 ↑ 37%
Home Value
$120,900 ↓ 27%
$1,016/mo ↑ 7%
Owner Costs
$947/mo ↓ 7%
156,543
Population
147,649

Tax Comparison

5.49%
Income Tax
4.95%
4.0%
State Sales Tax
6.25%
0.92%
Property Tax
2.07%

Affordability

24.3%
rent-to-income
Affordability
21.5%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Macon, GA and Rockford, IL, the overall cost of living indices are 65 and 57 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $72/month cheaper in Rockford, saving renters about $864/year.

Median household income is $2,581/year higher in Rockford. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Macon is $165,800 compared to $120,900 in Rockford.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Macon vs Rockford — common questions

Is Macon or Rockford cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Rockford is cheaper to live in with an index of 57 compared to 65 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Macon and Rockford?
Median rent in Macon is $1,026/month and in Rockford it's $954/month — a difference of $72/month.
Which city has higher income, Macon or Rockford?
Median household income is $50,747 in Macon and $53,328 in Rockford. Median household income is $2,581/year higher in Rockford.
How do taxes compare between Georgia and Illinois?
Georgia has 5.49% income tax, 4.0% sales tax, and 0.92% property tax. Illinois has 4.95% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 2.07% property tax.
Should I move to Macon or Rockford?
It depends on your priorities. Macon has a cost index of 65 with median rent of $1,026/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 Macon details → View Rockford details →

More Comparisons

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