Cost of Living: Miami, FL vs Rockford, IL (2026)

Miami

Florida
129
VS

Rockford

Illinois
57

Miami is 126% more expensive than Rockford.

$1,657/mo ↑ 74%
Median Rent
$954/mo ↓ 42%
$59,390/yr ↑ 11%
Median Income
$53,328/yr ↓ 10%
$475,200 ↑ 293%
Home Value
$120,900 ↓ 75%
$1,666/mo ↑ 76%
Owner Costs
$947/mo ↓ 43%
446,663
Population
147,649

Tax Comparison

0%
Income Tax
4.95%
6.0%
State Sales Tax
6.25%
0.86%
Property Tax
2.07%

Affordability

33.5%
rent-to-income
Affordability
21.5%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Miami, FL and Rockford, IL, the overall cost of living indices are 129 and 57 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $703/month cheaper in Rockford, saving renters about $8,436/year.

Median household income is $6,062/year higher in Miami. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Miami is $475,200 compared to $120,900 in Rockford.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Miami vs Rockford — common questions

Is Miami or Rockford cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Rockford is cheaper to live in with an index of 57 compared to 129 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Miami and Rockford?
Median rent in Miami is $1,657/month and in Rockford it's $954/month — a difference of $703/month.
Which city has higher income, Miami or Rockford?
Median household income is $59,390 in Miami and $53,328 in Rockford. Median household income is $6,062/year higher in Miami.
How do taxes compare between Florida and Illinois?
Florida has 0% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 0.86% property tax. Illinois has 4.95% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 2.07% property tax.
Should I move to Miami or Rockford?
It depends on your priorities. Miami has a cost index of 129 with median rent of $1,657/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 Miami details → View Rockford details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Miami and Rockford

Miami vs. Virginia Beach Miami vs. Oakland Miami vs. Long Beach Miami vs. Minneapolis Miami vs. Raleigh Miami vs. Tulsa Rockford vs. Bridgeport Rockford vs. Savannah Rockford vs. Pomona Rockford vs. Denton Rockford vs. Mesquite Rockford vs. Syracuse