Cost of Living: Naperville, IL vs Rockford, IL (2026)

Naperville

Illinois
147
VS

Rockford

Illinois
57

Naperville is 158% more expensive than Rockford.

$1,852/mo ↑ 94%
Median Rent
$954/mo ↓ 48%
$150,937/yr ↑ 183%
Median Income
$53,328/yr ↓ 65%
$509,900 ↑ 322%
Home Value
$120,900 ↓ 76%
$2,161/mo ↑ 128%
Owner Costs
$947/mo ↓ 56%
149,424
Population
147,649

Tax Comparison

4.95%
Income Tax
4.95%
6.25%
State Sales Tax
6.25%
2.07%
Property Tax
2.07%

Affordability

14.7%
rent-to-income
Affordability
21.5%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Naperville, IL and Rockford, IL, the overall cost of living indices are 147 and 57 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $898/month cheaper in Rockford, saving renters about $10,776/year.

Median household income is $97,609/year higher in Naperville. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Naperville is $509,900 compared to $120,900 in Rockford.

Both cities share the same state tax structure since they are in Illinois.

Frequently Asked Questions

Naperville vs Rockford — common questions

Is Naperville or Rockford cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Rockford is cheaper to live in with an index of 57 compared to 147 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Naperville and Rockford?
Median rent in Naperville is $1,852/month and in Rockford it's $954/month — a difference of $898/month.
Which city has higher income, Naperville or Rockford?
Median household income is $150,937 in Naperville and $53,328 in Rockford. Median household income is $97,609/year higher in Naperville.
How do taxes compare between Illinois and Illinois?
Both cities are in Illinois and share the same state tax rates: 4.95% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 2.07% property tax.
Should I move to Naperville or Rockford?
It depends on your priorities. Naperville has a cost index of 147 with median rent of $1,852/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 Naperville details → View Rockford details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Naperville and Rockford

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