Cost of Living: Newark, NJ vs Rockford, IL (2026)

Newark

New Jersey
100
VS

Rockford

Illinois
57

Newark is 75% more expensive than Rockford.

$1,330/mo ↑ 39%
Median Rent
$954/mo ↓ 28%
$48,416/yr ↓ 9%
Median Income
$53,328/yr ↑ 10%
$337,800 ↑ 179%
Home Value
$120,900 ↓ 64%
$1,419/mo ↑ 50%
Owner Costs
$947/mo ↓ 33%
307,188
Population
147,649

Tax Comparison

10.75%
Income Tax
4.95%
6.625%
State Sales Tax
6.25%
2.23%
Property Tax
2.07%

Affordability

33.0%
rent-to-income
Affordability
21.5%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Newark, NJ and Rockford, IL, the overall cost of living indices are 100 and 57 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $376/month cheaper in Rockford, saving renters about $4,512/year.

Median household income is $4,912/year higher in Rockford. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Newark is $337,800 compared to $120,900 in Rockford.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Newark vs Rockford — common questions

Is Newark or Rockford cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Rockford is cheaper to live in with an index of 57 compared to 100 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Newark and Rockford?
Median rent in Newark is $1,330/month and in Rockford it's $954/month — a difference of $376/month.
Which city has higher income, Newark or Rockford?
Median household income is $48,416 in Newark and $53,328 in Rockford. Median household income is $4,912/year higher in Rockford.
How do taxes compare between New Jersey and Illinois?
New Jersey has 10.75% income tax, 6.625% sales tax, and 2.23% property tax. Illinois has 4.95% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 2.07% property tax.
Should I move to Newark or Rockford?
It depends on your priorities. Newark has a cost index of 100 with median rent of $1,330/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 Newark details → View Rockford details →

More Comparisons

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