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

Pembroke Pines

Florida
130
VS

Rockford

Illinois
57

Pembroke Pines is 128% more expensive than Rockford.

$1,910/mo ↑ 100%
Median Rent
$954/mo ↓ 50%
$81,675/yr ↑ 53%
Median Income
$53,328/yr ↓ 35%
$411,700 ↑ 241%
Home Value
$120,900 ↓ 71%
$1,717/mo ↑ 81%
Owner Costs
$947/mo ↓ 45%
170,557
Population
147,649

Tax Comparison

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

Affordability

28.1%
rent-to-income
Affordability
21.5%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Pembroke Pines, FL and Rockford, IL, the overall cost of living indices are 130 and 57 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $956/month cheaper in Rockford, saving renters about $11,472/year.

Median household income is $28,347/year higher in Pembroke Pines. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Pembroke Pines is $411,700 compared to $120,900 in Rockford.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Pembroke Pines vs Rockford — common questions

Is Pembroke Pines or Rockford cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Rockford is cheaper to live in with an index of 57 compared to 130 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Pembroke Pines and Rockford?
Median rent in Pembroke Pines is $1,910/month and in Rockford it's $954/month — a difference of $956/month.
Which city has higher income, Pembroke Pines or Rockford?
Median household income is $81,675 in Pembroke Pines and $53,328 in Rockford. Median household income is $28,347/year higher in Pembroke Pines.
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 Pembroke Pines or Rockford?
It depends on your priorities. Pembroke Pines has a cost index of 130 with median rent of $1,910/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 Pembroke Pines details → View Rockford details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Pembroke Pines and Rockford

Pembroke Pines vs. Garden Grove Pembroke Pines vs. Lancaster Pembroke Pines vs. Clarksville Pembroke Pines vs. Fort Collins Pembroke Pines vs. Oceanside Pembroke Pines vs. Springfield Rockford vs. Bridgeport Rockford vs. Savannah Rockford vs. Pomona Rockford vs. Denton Rockford vs. Mesquite Rockford vs. Syracuse