Cost of Living: Norfolk, VA vs Rockford, IL (2026)

Norfolk

Virginia
89
VS

Rockford

Illinois
57

Norfolk is 56% more expensive than Rockford.

$1,246/mo ↑ 31%
Median Rent
$954/mo ↓ 23%
$64,017/yr ↑ 20%
Median Income
$53,328/yr ↓ 17%
$271,900 ↑ 125%
Home Value
$120,900 ↓ 56%
$1,366/mo ↑ 44%
Owner Costs
$947/mo ↓ 31%
235,037
Population
147,649

Tax Comparison

5.75%
Income Tax
4.95%
5.3%
State Sales Tax
6.25%
0.8%
Property Tax
2.07%

Affordability

23.4%
rent-to-income
Affordability
21.5%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Norfolk, VA and Rockford, IL, the overall cost of living indices are 89 and 57 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $292/month cheaper in Rockford, saving renters about $3,504/year.

Median household income is $10,689/year higher in Norfolk. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Norfolk is $271,900 compared to $120,900 in Rockford.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Norfolk vs Rockford — common questions

Is Norfolk or Rockford cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Rockford is cheaper to live in with an index of 57 compared to 89 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Norfolk and Rockford?
Median rent in Norfolk is $1,246/month and in Rockford it's $954/month — a difference of $292/month.
Which city has higher income, Norfolk or Rockford?
Median household income is $64,017 in Norfolk and $53,328 in Rockford. Median household income is $10,689/year higher in Norfolk.
How do taxes compare between Virginia and Illinois?
Virginia has 5.75% income tax, 5.3% sales tax, and 0.8% property tax. Illinois has 4.95% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 2.07% property tax.
Should I move to Norfolk or Rockford?
It depends on your priorities. Norfolk has a cost index of 89 with median rent of $1,246/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 Norfolk details → View Rockford details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Norfolk and Rockford

Norfolk vs. Arlington Norfolk vs. Enterprise Norfolk vs. Boise Norfolk vs. Spokane Norfolk vs. Scottsdale Norfolk vs. Santa Clarita Rockford vs. Bridgeport Rockford vs. Savannah Rockford vs. Pomona Rockford vs. Denton Rockford vs. Mesquite Rockford vs. Syracuse