Cost of Living: Omaha, NE vs Rockford, IL (2026)

Omaha

Nebraska
80
VS

Rockford

Illinois
57

Omaha is 40% more expensive than Rockford.

$1,150/mo ↑ 21%
Median Rent
$954/mo ↓ 17%
$72,708/yr ↑ 36%
Median Income
$53,328/yr ↓ 27%
$230,100 ↑ 90%
Home Value
$120,900 ↓ 47%
$1,249/mo ↑ 32%
Owner Costs
$947/mo ↓ 24%
488,197
Population
147,649

Tax Comparison

6.64%
Income Tax
4.95%
5.5%
State Sales Tax
6.25%
1.73%
Property Tax
2.07%

Affordability

19.0%
rent-to-income
Affordability
21.5%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Omaha, NE and Rockford, IL, the overall cost of living indices are 80 and 57 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $196/month cheaper in Rockford, saving renters about $2,352/year.

Median household income is $19,380/year higher in Omaha. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Omaha is $230,100 compared to $120,900 in Rockford.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Omaha vs Rockford — common questions

Is Omaha or Rockford cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Rockford is cheaper to live in with an index of 57 compared to 80 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Omaha and Rockford?
Median rent in Omaha is $1,150/month and in Rockford it's $954/month — a difference of $196/month.
Which city has higher income, Omaha or Rockford?
Median household income is $72,708 in Omaha and $53,328 in Rockford. Median household income is $19,380/year higher in Omaha.
How do taxes compare between Nebraska and Illinois?
Nebraska has 6.64% income tax, 5.5% sales tax, and 1.73% property tax. Illinois has 4.95% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 2.07% property tax.
Should I move to Omaha or Rockford?
It depends on your priorities. Omaha has a cost index of 80 with median rent of $1,150/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 Omaha details → View Rockford details →

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