Cost of Living: Minneapolis, MN vs Rockford, IL (2026)

Minneapolis

Minnesota
102
VS

Rockford

Illinois
57

Minneapolis is 79% more expensive than Rockford.

$1,329/mo ↑ 39%
Median Rent
$954/mo ↓ 28%
$80,269/yr ↑ 51%
Median Income
$53,328/yr ↓ 34%
$345,600 ↑ 186%
Home Value
$120,900 ↓ 65%
$1,513/mo ↑ 60%
Owner Costs
$947/mo ↓ 37%
426,845
Population
147,649

Tax Comparison

9.85%
Income Tax
4.95%
6.875%
State Sales Tax
6.25%
1.11%
Property Tax
2.07%

Affordability

19.9%
rent-to-income
Affordability
21.5%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Minneapolis, MN and Rockford, IL, the overall cost of living indices are 102 and 57 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $375/month cheaper in Rockford, saving renters about $4,500/year.

Median household income is $26,941/year higher in Minneapolis. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Minneapolis is $345,600 compared to $120,900 in Rockford.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Minneapolis vs Rockford — common questions

Is Minneapolis or Rockford cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Rockford is cheaper to live in with an index of 57 compared to 102 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Minneapolis and Rockford?
Median rent in Minneapolis is $1,329/month and in Rockford it's $954/month — a difference of $375/month.
Which city has higher income, Minneapolis or Rockford?
Median household income is $80,269 in Minneapolis and $53,328 in Rockford. Median household income is $26,941/year higher in Minneapolis.
How do taxes compare between Minnesota and Illinois?
Minnesota has 9.85% income tax, 6.875% sales tax, and 1.11% property tax. Illinois has 4.95% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 2.07% property tax.
Should I move to Minneapolis or Rockford?
It depends on your priorities. Minneapolis has a cost index of 102 with median rent of $1,329/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 Minneapolis details → View Rockford details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Minneapolis and Rockford

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