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

Plano

Texas
132
VS

Rockford

Illinois
57

Plano is 132% more expensive than Rockford.

$1,792/mo ↑ 88%
Median Rent
$954/mo ↓ 47%
$108,649/yr ↑ 104%
Median Income
$53,328/yr ↓ 51%
$440,600 ↑ 264%
Home Value
$120,900 ↓ 73%
$1,829/mo ↑ 93%
Owner Costs
$947/mo ↓ 48%
287,339
Population
147,649

Tax Comparison

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

Affordability

19.8%
rent-to-income
Affordability
21.5%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Plano, TX and Rockford, IL, the overall cost of living indices are 132 and 57 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $838/month cheaper in Rockford, saving renters about $10,056/year.

Median household income is $55,321/year higher in Plano. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Plano is $440,600 compared to $120,900 in Rockford.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Plano vs Rockford — common questions

Is Plano or Rockford cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Rockford is cheaper to live in with an index of 57 compared to 132 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Plano and Rockford?
Median rent in Plano is $1,792/month and in Rockford it's $954/month — a difference of $838/month.
Which city has higher income, Plano or Rockford?
Median household income is $108,649 in Plano and $53,328 in Rockford. Median household income is $55,321/year higher in Plano.
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 Plano or Rockford?
It depends on your priorities. Plano has a cost index of 132 with median rent of $1,792/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 Plano details → View Rockford details →

More Comparisons

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