Cost of Living: Raleigh, NC vs Rockford, IL (2026)

Raleigh

North Carolina
110
VS

Rockford

Illinois
57

Raleigh is 93% more expensive than Rockford.

$1,468/mo ↑ 54%
Median Rent
$954/mo ↓ 35%
$82,424/yr ↑ 55%
Median Income
$53,328/yr ↓ 35%
$377,800 ↑ 212%
Home Value
$120,900 ↓ 68%
$1,487/mo ↑ 57%
Owner Costs
$947/mo ↓ 36%
470,763
Population
147,649

Tax Comparison

4.5%
Income Tax
4.95%
4.75%
State Sales Tax
6.25%
0.8%
Property Tax
2.07%

Affordability

21.4%
rent-to-income
Affordability
21.5%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Raleigh, NC and Rockford, IL, the overall cost of living indices are 110 and 57 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $514/month cheaper in Rockford, saving renters about $6,168/year.

Median household income is $29,096/year higher in Raleigh. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Raleigh is $377,800 compared to $120,900 in Rockford.

North Carolina has a lower income tax rate, making Raleigh slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Raleigh vs Rockford — common questions

Is Raleigh or Rockford cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Rockford is cheaper to live in with an index of 57 compared to 110 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Raleigh and Rockford?
Median rent in Raleigh is $1,468/month and in Rockford it's $954/month — a difference of $514/month.
Which city has higher income, Raleigh or Rockford?
Median household income is $82,424 in Raleigh and $53,328 in Rockford. Median household income is $29,096/year higher in Raleigh.
How do taxes compare between North Carolina and Illinois?
North Carolina has 4.5% income tax, 4.75% sales tax, and 0.8% property tax. Illinois has 4.95% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 2.07% property tax.
Should I move to Raleigh or Rockford?
It depends on your priorities. Raleigh has a cost index of 110 with median rent of $1,468/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.
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More Comparisons

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