Cost of Living: New York, NY vs Rockford, IL (2026)

New York

New York
166
VS

Rockford

Illinois
57

New York is 191% more expensive than Rockford.

$1,779/mo ↑ 86%
Median Rent
$954/mo ↓ 46%
$79,713/yr ↑ 49%
Median Income
$53,328/yr ↓ 33%
$751,700 ↑ 522%
Home Value
$120,900 ↓ 84%
$1,837/mo ↑ 94%
Owner Costs
$947/mo ↓ 48%
8,516,202
Population
147,649

Tax Comparison

10.9%
Income Tax
4.95%
4.0%
State Sales Tax
6.25%
1.62%
Property Tax
2.07%

Affordability

26.8%
rent-to-income
Affordability
21.5%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing New York, NY and Rockford, IL, the overall cost of living indices are 166 and 57 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $825/month cheaper in Rockford, saving renters about $9,900/year.

Median household income is $26,385/year higher in New York. Home values also differ significantly — the median in New York is $751,700 compared to $120,900 in Rockford.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

New York vs Rockford — common questions

Is New York or Rockford cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Rockford is cheaper to live in with an index of 57 compared to 166 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between New York and Rockford?
Median rent in New York is $1,779/month and in Rockford it's $954/month — a difference of $825/month.
Which city has higher income, New York or Rockford?
Median household income is $79,713 in New York and $53,328 in Rockford. Median household income is $26,385/year higher in New York.
How do taxes compare between New York and Illinois?
New York has 10.9% income tax, 4.0% sales tax, and 1.62% property tax. Illinois has 4.95% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 2.07% property tax.
Should I move to New York or Rockford?
It depends on your priorities. New York has a cost index of 166 with median rent of $1,779/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 New York details → View Rockford details →

More Comparisons

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