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

Mesquite

Texas
89
VS

Rockford

Illinois
57

Mesquite is 32% more expensive than Rockford.

$1,407/mo ↑ 47%
Median Rent
$954/mo ↓ 32%
$71,843/yr ↑ 35%
Median Income
$53,328/yr ↓ 26%
$226,500 ↑ 87%
Home Value
$120,900 ↓ 47%
$1,383/mo ↑ 46%
Owner Costs
$947/mo ↓ 32%
148,848
Population
147,649

Tax Comparison

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

Affordability

23.5%
rent-to-income
Affordability
21.5%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Mesquite, TX and Rockford, IL, the overall cost of living indices are 89 and 57 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $453/month cheaper in Rockford, saving renters about $5,436/year.

Median household income is $18,515/year higher in Mesquite. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Mesquite is $226,500 compared to $120,900 in Rockford.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Mesquite vs Rockford — common questions

Is Mesquite or Rockford cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Rockford is cheaper to live in with an index of 57 compared to 89 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Mesquite and Rockford?
Median rent in Mesquite is $1,407/month and in Rockford it's $954/month — a difference of $453/month.
Which city has higher income, Mesquite or Rockford?
Median household income is $71,843 in Mesquite and $53,328 in Rockford. Median household income is $18,515/year higher in Mesquite.
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 Mesquite or Rockford?
It depends on your priorities. Mesquite has a cost index of 89 with median rent of $1,407/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.
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