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

Phoenix

Arizona
109
VS

Rockford

Illinois
57

Phoenix is 91% more expensive than Rockford.

$1,458/mo ↑ 53%
Median Rent
$954/mo ↓ 35%
$77,041/yr ↑ 44%
Median Income
$53,328/yr ↓ 31%
$381,900 ↑ 216%
Home Value
$120,900 ↓ 68%
$1,430/mo ↑ 51%
Owner Costs
$947/mo ↓ 34%
1,624,832
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

22.7%
rent-to-income
Affordability
21.5%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Phoenix, AZ and Rockford, IL, the overall cost of living indices are 109 and 57 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $504/month cheaper in Rockford, saving renters about $6,048/year.

Median household income is $23,713/year higher in Phoenix. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Phoenix is $381,900 compared to $120,900 in Rockford.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Phoenix vs Rockford — common questions

Is Phoenix or Rockford cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Rockford is cheaper to live in with an index of 57 compared to 109 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Phoenix and Rockford?
Median rent in Phoenix is $1,458/month and in Rockford it's $954/month — a difference of $504/month.
Which city has higher income, Phoenix or Rockford?
Median household income is $77,041 in Phoenix and $53,328 in Rockford. Median household income is $23,713/year higher in Phoenix.
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 Phoenix or Rockford?
It depends on your priorities. Phoenix has a cost index of 109 with median rent of $1,458/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 Phoenix details → View Rockford details →

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