Cost of Living: Mesa, AZ vs Rockford, IL (2026)

Mesa

Arizona
107
VS

Rockford

Illinois
57

Mesa is 88% more expensive than Rockford.

$1,478/mo ↑ 55%
Median Rent
$954/mo ↓ 35%
$78,779/yr ↑ 48%
Median Income
$53,328/yr ↓ 32%
$364,300 ↑ 201%
Home Value
$120,900 ↓ 67%
$1,404/mo ↑ 48%
Owner Costs
$947/mo ↓ 33%
507,478
Population
147,649

Tax Comparison

2.5%
Income Tax
4.95%
5.6%
State Sales Tax
6.25%
0.62%
Property Tax
2.07%

Affordability

22.5%
rent-to-income
Affordability
21.5%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Mesa, AZ and Rockford, IL, the overall cost of living indices are 107 and 57 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $524/month cheaper in Rockford, saving renters about $6,288/year.

Median household income is $25,451/year higher in Mesa. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Mesa is $364,300 compared to $120,900 in Rockford.

Arizona has a lower income tax rate, making Mesa slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Mesa vs Rockford — common questions

Is Mesa or Rockford cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Rockford is cheaper to live in with an index of 57 compared to 107 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Mesa and Rockford?
Median rent in Mesa is $1,478/month and in Rockford it's $954/month — a difference of $524/month.
Which city has higher income, Mesa or Rockford?
Median household income is $78,779 in Mesa and $53,328 in Rockford. Median household income is $25,451/year higher in Mesa.
How do taxes compare between Arizona and Illinois?
Arizona has 2.5% income tax, 5.6% 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 Mesa or Rockford?
It depends on your priorities. Mesa has a cost index of 107 with median rent of $1,478/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 Mesa details → View Rockford details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Mesa and Rockford

Mesa vs. Kansas City Mesa vs. Atlanta Mesa vs. Sacramento Mesa vs. Omaha Mesa vs. Tucson Mesa vs. Colorado Springs Rockford vs. Bridgeport Rockford vs. Savannah Rockford vs. Pomona Rockford vs. Denton Rockford vs. Mesquite Rockford vs. Syracuse