Cost of Living: Milwaukee, WI vs Rockford, IL (2026)

Milwaukee

Wisconsin
67
VS

Rockford

Illinois
57

Milwaukee is 18% more expensive than Rockford.

$1,033/mo ↑ 8%
Median Rent
$954/mo ↓ 8%
$51,888/yr ↓ 3%
Median Income
$53,328/yr ↑ 3%
$172,000 ↑ 42%
Home Value
$120,900 ↓ 30%
$1,082/mo ↑ 14%
Owner Costs
$947/mo ↓ 12%
569,756
Population
147,649

Tax Comparison

7.65%
Income Tax
4.95%
5.0%
State Sales Tax
6.25%
1.61%
Property Tax
2.07%

Affordability

23.9%
rent-to-income
Affordability
21.5%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Milwaukee, WI and Rockford, IL, the overall cost of living indices are 67 and 57 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $79/month cheaper in Rockford, saving renters about $948/year.

Median household income is $1,440/year higher in Rockford. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Milwaukee is $172,000 compared to $120,900 in Rockford.

Illinois has a lower income tax rate, making Rockford slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Milwaukee vs Rockford — common questions

Is Milwaukee or Rockford cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Rockford is cheaper to live in with an index of 57 compared to 67 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Milwaukee and Rockford?
Median rent in Milwaukee is $1,033/month and in Rockford it's $954/month — a difference of $79/month.
Which city has higher income, Milwaukee or Rockford?
Median household income is $51,888 in Milwaukee and $53,328 in Rockford. Median household income is $1,440/year higher in Rockford.
How do taxes compare between Wisconsin and Illinois?
Wisconsin has 7.65% income tax, 5.0% sales tax, and 1.61% property tax. Illinois has 4.95% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 2.07% property tax.
Should I move to Milwaukee or Rockford?
It depends on your priorities. Milwaukee has a cost index of 67 with median rent of $1,033/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 Milwaukee details → View Rockford details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Milwaukee and Rockford

Milwaukee vs. Baltimore Milwaukee vs. Albuquerque Milwaukee vs. Louisville Milwaukee vs. Fresno Milwaukee vs. Memphis Milwaukee vs. Tucson Rockford vs. Bridgeport Rockford vs. Savannah Rockford vs. Pomona Rockford vs. Denton Rockford vs. Mesquite Rockford vs. Syracuse