Cost of Living: Pittsburgh, PA vs Rockford, IL (2026)

Pittsburgh

Pennsylvania
76
VS

Rockford

Illinois
57

Pittsburgh is 33% more expensive than Rockford.

$1,221/mo ↑ 28%
Median Rent
$954/mo ↓ 22%
$64,137/yr ↑ 20%
Median Income
$53,328/yr ↓ 17%
$193,200 ↑ 60%
Home Value
$120,900 ↓ 37%
$1,136/mo ↑ 20%
Owner Costs
$947/mo ↓ 17%
303,620
Population
147,649

Tax Comparison

3.07%
Income Tax
4.95%
6.0%
State Sales Tax
6.25%
1.49%
Property Tax
2.07%

Affordability

22.8%
rent-to-income
Affordability
21.5%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Pittsburgh, PA and Rockford, IL, the overall cost of living indices are 76 and 57 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $267/month cheaper in Rockford, saving renters about $3,204/year.

Median household income is $10,809/year higher in Pittsburgh. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Pittsburgh is $193,200 compared to $120,900 in Rockford.

Pennsylvania has a lower income tax rate, making Pittsburgh slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Pittsburgh vs Rockford — common questions

Is Pittsburgh 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 Pittsburgh and Rockford?
Median rent in Pittsburgh is $1,221/month and in Rockford it's $954/month — a difference of $267/month.
Which city has higher income, Pittsburgh or Rockford?
Median household income is $64,137 in Pittsburgh and $53,328 in Rockford. Median household income is $10,809/year higher in Pittsburgh.
How do taxes compare between Pennsylvania and Illinois?
Pennsylvania has 3.07% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 1.49% property tax. Illinois has 4.95% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 2.07% property tax.
Should I move to Pittsburgh or Rockford?
It depends on your priorities. Pittsburgh has a cost index of 76 with median rent of $1,221/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 Pittsburgh details → View Rockford details →

More Comparisons

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