Cost of Living: Pasadena, TX vs Rockford, IL (2026)

Pasadena

Texas
76
VS

Rockford

Illinois
57

Pasadena is 33% more expensive than Rockford.

$1,201/mo ↑ 26%
Median Rent
$954/mo ↓ 21%
$64,270/yr ↑ 21%
Median Income
$53,328/yr ↓ 17%
$193,600 ↑ 60%
Home Value
$120,900 ↓ 38%
$1,141/mo ↑ 20%
Owner Costs
$947/mo ↓ 17%
149,345
Population
147,649

Tax Comparison

0%
Income Tax
4.95%
6.25%
State Sales Tax
6.25%
1.6%
Property Tax
2.07%

Affordability

22.4%
rent-to-income
Affordability
21.5%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Pasadena, TX and Rockford, IL, the overall cost of living indices are 76 and 57 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $247/month cheaper in Rockford, saving renters about $2,964/year.

Median household income is $10,942/year higher in Pasadena. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Pasadena is $193,600 compared to $120,900 in Rockford.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Pasadena vs Rockford — common questions

Is Pasadena or Rockford cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Rockford is cheaper to live in with an index of 57 compared to 76 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Pasadena and Rockford?
Median rent in Pasadena is $1,201/month and in Rockford it's $954/month — a difference of $247/month.
Which city has higher income, Pasadena or Rockford?
Median household income is $64,270 in Pasadena and $53,328 in Rockford. Median household income is $10,942/year higher in Pasadena.
How do taxes compare between Texas and Illinois?
Texas has 0% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 1.6% property tax. Illinois has 4.95% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 2.07% property tax.
Should I move to Pasadena or Rockford?
It depends on your priorities. Pasadena has a cost index of 76 with median rent of $1,201/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 Pasadena details → View Rockford details →

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