Cost of Living: Portland, OR vs Rockford, IL (2026)

Portland

Oregon
138
VS

Rockford

Illinois
57

Portland is 142% more expensive than Rockford.

$1,596/mo ↑ 67%
Median Rent
$954/mo ↓ 40%
$88,792/yr ↑ 67%
Median Income
$53,328/yr ↓ 40%
$557,600 ↑ 361%
Home Value
$120,900 ↓ 78%
$1,771/mo ↑ 87%
Owner Costs
$947/mo ↓ 47%
642,715
Population
147,649

Tax Comparison

9.9%
Income Tax
4.95%
0%
State Sales Tax
6.25%
0.93%
Property Tax
2.07%

Affordability

21.6%
rent-to-income
Affordability
21.5%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Portland, OR and Rockford, IL, the overall cost of living indices are 138 and 57 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $642/month cheaper in Rockford, saving renters about $7,704/year.

Median household income is $35,464/year higher in Portland. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Portland is $557,600 compared to $120,900 in Rockford.

Illinois has a lower income tax rate, making Rockford slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Portland vs Rockford — common questions

Is Portland or Rockford cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Rockford is cheaper to live in with an index of 57 compared to 138 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Portland and Rockford?
Median rent in Portland is $1,596/month and in Rockford it's $954/month — a difference of $642/month.
Which city has higher income, Portland or Rockford?
Median household income is $88,792 in Portland and $53,328 in Rockford. Median household income is $35,464/year higher in Portland.
How do taxes compare between Oregon and Illinois?
Oregon has 9.9% income tax, 0% sales tax, and 0.93% property tax. Illinois has 4.95% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 2.07% property tax.
Should I move to Portland or Rockford?
It depends on your priorities. Portland has a cost index of 138 with median rent of $1,596/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 Portland details → View Rockford details →

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