Cost of Living: McKinney, TX vs Rockford, IL (2026)

McKinney

Texas
138
VS

Rockford

Illinois
57

McKinney is 142% more expensive than Rockford.

$1,841/mo ↑ 93%
Median Rent
$954/mo ↓ 48%
$120,273/yr ↑ 126%
Median Income
$53,328/yr ↓ 56%
$439,500 ↑ 264%
Home Value
$120,900 ↓ 72%
$2,101/mo ↑ 122%
Owner Costs
$947/mo ↓ 55%
202,314
Population
147,649

Tax Comparison

0%
Income Tax
4.95%
6.25%
State Sales Tax
6.25%
1.6%
Property Tax
2.07%

Affordability

18.4%
rent-to-income
Affordability
21.5%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing McKinney, TX and Rockford, IL, the overall cost of living indices are 138 and 57 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $887/month cheaper in Rockford, saving renters about $10,644/year.

Median household income is $66,945/year higher in McKinney. Home values also differ significantly — the median in McKinney is $439,500 compared to $120,900 in Rockford.

Texas has no state income tax, giving McKinney residents a significant tax advantage over Illinois's 4.95% rate.

Frequently Asked Questions

McKinney vs Rockford — common questions

Is McKinney or Rockford cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Rockford is cheaper to live in with an index of 57 compared to 138 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between McKinney and Rockford?
Median rent in McKinney is $1,841/month and in Rockford it's $954/month — a difference of $887/month.
Which city has higher income, McKinney or Rockford?
Median household income is $120,273 in McKinney and $53,328 in Rockford. Median household income is $66,945/year higher in McKinney.
How do taxes compare between Texas and Illinois?
Texas has 0% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 1.6% property tax. Illinois has 4.95% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 2.07% property tax.
Should I move to McKinney or Rockford?
It depends on your priorities. McKinney has a cost index of 138 with median rent of $1,841/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 McKinney details → View Rockford details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for McKinney and Rockford

McKinney vs. Little Rock McKinney vs. Augusta McKinney vs. Salt Lake City McKinney vs. Oxnard McKinney vs. Columbus McKinney vs. Amarillo Rockford vs. Bridgeport Rockford vs. Savannah Rockford vs. Pomona Rockford vs. Denton Rockford vs. Mesquite Rockford vs. Syracuse