Cost of Living: Peoria, AZ vs Rockford, IL (2026)

Peoria

Arizona
125
VS

Rockford

Illinois
57

Peoria is 119% more expensive than Rockford.

$1,743/mo ↑ 83%
Median Rent
$954/mo ↓ 45%
$93,403/yr ↑ 75%
Median Income
$53,328/yr ↓ 43%
$429,400 ↑ 255%
Home Value
$120,900 ↓ 72%
$1,589/mo ↑ 68%
Owner Costs
$947/mo ↓ 40%
194,338
Population
147,649

Tax Comparison

2.5%
Income Tax
4.95%
5.6%
State Sales Tax
6.25%
0.62%
Property Tax
2.07%

Affordability

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

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Peoria, AZ and Rockford, IL, the overall cost of living indices are 125 and 57 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $789/month cheaper in Rockford, saving renters about $9,468/year.

Median household income is $40,075/year higher in Peoria. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Peoria is $429,400 compared to $120,900 in Rockford.

Arizona has a lower income tax rate, making Peoria slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Peoria vs Rockford — common questions

Is Peoria or Rockford cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Rockford is cheaper to live in with an index of 57 compared to 125 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Peoria and Rockford?
Median rent in Peoria is $1,743/month and in Rockford it's $954/month — a difference of $789/month.
Which city has higher income, Peoria or Rockford?
Median household income is $93,403 in Peoria and $53,328 in Rockford. Median household income is $40,075/year higher in Peoria.
How do taxes compare between Arizona and Illinois?
Arizona has 2.5% income tax, 5.6% sales tax, and 0.62% property tax. Illinois has 4.95% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 2.07% property tax.
Should I move to Peoria or Rockford?
It depends on your priorities. Peoria has a cost index of 125 with median rent of $1,743/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 Peoria details → View Rockford details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Peoria and Rockford

Peoria vs. Huntington Beach Peoria vs. Knoxville Peoria vs. Overland Park Peoria vs. Vancouver Peoria vs. Sioux Falls Peoria vs. Glendale Rockford vs. Bridgeport Rockford vs. Savannah Rockford vs. Pomona Rockford vs. Denton Rockford vs. Mesquite Rockford vs. Syracuse