Cost of Living: Overland Park, KS vs Rockford, IL (2026)

Overland Park

Kansas
111
VS

Rockford

Illinois
57

Overland Park is 95% more expensive than Rockford.

$1,455/mo ↑ 53%
Median Rent
$954/mo ↓ 34%
$103,838/yr ↑ 95%
Median Income
$53,328/yr ↓ 49%
$384,400 ↑ 218%
Home Value
$120,900 ↓ 69%
$1,557/mo ↑ 64%
Owner Costs
$947/mo ↓ 39%
197,199
Population
147,649

Tax Comparison

5.7%
Income Tax
4.95%
6.5%
State Sales Tax
6.25%
1.41%
Property Tax
2.07%

Affordability

16.8%
rent-to-income
Affordability
21.5%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Overland Park, KS and Rockford, IL, the overall cost of living indices are 111 and 57 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $501/month cheaper in Rockford, saving renters about $6,012/year.

Median household income is $50,510/year higher in Overland Park. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Overland Park is $384,400 compared to $120,900 in Rockford.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Overland Park vs Rockford — common questions

Is Overland Park or Rockford cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Rockford is cheaper to live in with an index of 57 compared to 111 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Overland Park and Rockford?
Median rent in Overland Park is $1,455/month and in Rockford it's $954/month — a difference of $501/month.
Which city has higher income, Overland Park or Rockford?
Median household income is $103,838 in Overland Park and $53,328 in Rockford. Median household income is $50,510/year higher in Overland Park.
How do taxes compare between Kansas and Illinois?
Kansas has 5.7% income tax, 6.5% sales tax, and 1.41% property tax. Illinois has 4.95% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 2.07% property tax.
Should I move to Overland Park or Rockford?
It depends on your priorities. Overland Park has a cost index of 111 with median rent of $1,455/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 Overland Park details → View Rockford details →

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