Cost of Living: Port St. Lucie, FL vs Rockford, IL (2026)

Port St. Lucie

Florida
113
VS

Rockford

Illinois
57

Port St. Lucie is 98% more expensive than Rockford.

$1,781/mo ↑ 87%
Median Rent
$954/mo ↓ 46%
$78,137/yr ↑ 47%
Median Income
$53,328/yr ↓ 32%
$327,700 ↑ 171%
Home Value
$120,900 ↓ 63%
$1,507/mo ↑ 59%
Owner Costs
$947/mo ↓ 37%
220,453
Population
147,649

Tax Comparison

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

Affordability

27.4%
rent-to-income
Affordability
21.5%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Port St. Lucie, FL and Rockford, IL, the overall cost of living indices are 113 and 57 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $827/month cheaper in Rockford, saving renters about $9,924/year.

Median household income is $24,809/year higher in Port St. Lucie. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Port St. Lucie is $327,700 compared to $120,900 in Rockford.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Port St. Lucie vs Rockford — common questions

Is Port St. Lucie or Rockford cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Rockford is cheaper to live in with an index of 57 compared to 113 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Port St. Lucie and Rockford?
Median rent in Port St. Lucie is $1,781/month and in Rockford it's $954/month — a difference of $827/month.
Which city has higher income, Port St. Lucie or Rockford?
Median household income is $78,137 in Port St. Lucie and $53,328 in Rockford. Median household income is $24,809/year higher in Port St. Lucie.
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 Port St. Lucie or Rockford?
It depends on your priorities. Port St. Lucie has a cost index of 113 with median rent of $1,781/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 Port St. Lucie details → View Rockford details →

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