Cost of Living: Orlando, FL vs Rockford, IL (2026)

Orlando

Florida
115
VS

Rockford

Illinois
57

Orlando is 102% more expensive than Rockford.

$1,650/mo ↑ 73%
Median Rent
$954/mo ↓ 42%
$69,268/yr ↑ 30%
Median Income
$53,328/yr ↓ 23%
$359,000 ↑ 197%
Home Value
$120,900 ↓ 66%
$1,621/mo ↑ 71%
Owner Costs
$947/mo ↓ 42%
311,732
Population
147,649

Tax Comparison

0%
Income Tax
4.95%
6.0%
State Sales Tax
6.25%
0.86%
Property Tax
2.07%

Affordability

28.6%
rent-to-income
Affordability
21.5%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Orlando, FL and Rockford, IL, the overall cost of living indices are 115 and 57 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $696/month cheaper in Rockford, saving renters about $8,352/year.

Median household income is $15,940/year higher in Orlando. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Orlando is $359,000 compared to $120,900 in Rockford.

Florida has no state income tax, giving Orlando residents a significant tax advantage over Illinois's 4.95% rate.

Frequently Asked Questions

Orlando vs Rockford — common questions

Is Orlando or Rockford cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Rockford is cheaper to live in with an index of 57 compared to 115 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Orlando and Rockford?
Median rent in Orlando is $1,650/month and in Rockford it's $954/month — a difference of $696/month.
Which city has higher income, Orlando or Rockford?
Median household income is $69,268 in Orlando and $53,328 in Rockford. Median household income is $15,940/year higher in Orlando.
How do taxes compare between Florida and Illinois?
Florida has 0% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 0.86% property tax. Illinois has 4.95% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 2.07% property tax.
Should I move to Orlando or Rockford?
It depends on your priorities. Orlando has a cost index of 115 with median rent of $1,650/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 Orlando details → View Rockford details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Orlando and Rockford

Orlando vs. Riverside Orlando vs. Santa Ana Orlando vs. Corpus Christi Orlando vs. Cincinnati Orlando vs. Stockton Orlando vs. Irvine Rockford vs. Bridgeport Rockford vs. Savannah Rockford vs. Pomona Rockford vs. Denton Rockford vs. Mesquite Rockford vs. Syracuse