Cost of Living: Montgomery, AL vs Rockford, IL (2026)

Montgomery

Alabama
64
VS

Rockford

Illinois
57

Montgomery is 12% more expensive than Rockford.

$1,059/mo ↑ 11%
Median Rent
$954/mo ↓ 10%
$55,687/yr ↑ 4%
Median Income
$53,328/yr ↓ 4%
$148,500 ↑ 23%
Home Value
$120,900 ↓ 19%
$1,023/mo ↑ 8%
Owner Costs
$947/mo ↓ 7%
198,440
Population
147,649

Tax Comparison

5.0%
Income Tax
4.95%
4.0%
State Sales Tax
6.25%
0.41%
Property Tax
2.07%

Affordability

22.8%
rent-to-income
Affordability
21.5%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Montgomery, AL and Rockford, IL, the overall cost of living indices are 64 and 57 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $105/month cheaper in Rockford, saving renters about $1,260/year.

Median household income is $2,359/year higher in Montgomery. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Montgomery is $148,500 compared to $120,900 in Rockford.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Montgomery vs Rockford — common questions

Is Montgomery or Rockford cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Rockford is cheaper to live in with an index of 57 compared to 64 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Montgomery and Rockford?
Median rent in Montgomery is $1,059/month and in Rockford it's $954/month — a difference of $105/month.
Which city has higher income, Montgomery or Rockford?
Median household income is $55,687 in Montgomery and $53,328 in Rockford. Median household income is $2,359/year higher in Montgomery.
How do taxes compare between Alabama and Illinois?
Alabama has 5.0% income tax, 4.0% sales tax, and 0.41% property tax. Illinois has 4.95% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 2.07% property tax.
Should I move to Montgomery or Rockford?
It depends on your priorities. Montgomery has a cost index of 64 with median rent of $1,059/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 Montgomery details → View Rockford details →

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