Cost of Living: Memphis, TN vs Rockford, IL (2026)

Memphis

Tennessee
68
VS

Rockford

Illinois
57

Memphis is 19% more expensive than Rockford.

$1,123/mo ↑ 18%
Median Rent
$954/mo ↓ 15%
$51,211/yr ↓ 4%
Median Income
$53,328/yr ↑ 4%
$157,100 ↑ 30%
Home Value
$120,900 ↓ 23%
$1,087/mo ↑ 15%
Owner Costs
$947/mo ↓ 13%
629,063
Population
147,649

Tax Comparison

0%
Income Tax
4.95%
7.0%
State Sales Tax
6.25%
0.64%
Property Tax
2.07%

Affordability

26.3%
rent-to-income
Affordability
21.5%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Memphis, TN and Rockford, IL, the overall cost of living indices are 68 and 57 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $169/month cheaper in Rockford, saving renters about $2,028/year.

Median household income is $2,117/year higher in Rockford. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Memphis is $157,100 compared to $120,900 in Rockford.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Memphis vs Rockford — common questions

Is Memphis or Rockford cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Rockford is cheaper to live in with an index of 57 compared to 68 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Memphis and Rockford?
Median rent in Memphis is $1,123/month and in Rockford it's $954/month — a difference of $169/month.
Which city has higher income, Memphis or Rockford?
Median household income is $51,211 in Memphis and $53,328 in Rockford. Median household income is $2,117/year higher in Rockford.
How do taxes compare between Tennessee and Illinois?
Tennessee has 0% income tax, 7.0% sales tax, and 0.64% property tax. Illinois has 4.95% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 2.07% property tax.
Should I move to Memphis or Rockford?
It depends on your priorities. Memphis has a cost index of 68 with median rent of $1,123/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 Memphis details → View Rockford details →

More Comparisons

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