Cost of Living: Reno, NV vs Rockford, IL (2026)

Reno

Nevada
122
VS

Rockford

Illinois
57

Reno is 114% more expensive than Rockford.

$1,453/mo ↑ 52%
Median Rent
$954/mo ↓ 34%
$78,448/yr ↑ 47%
Median Income
$53,328/yr ↓ 32%
$498,600 ↑ 312%
Home Value
$120,900 ↓ 76%
$1,482/mo ↑ 56%
Owner Costs
$947/mo ↓ 36%
268,959
Population
147,649

Tax Comparison

0%
Income Tax
4.95%
6.85%
State Sales Tax
6.25%
0.53%
Property Tax
2.07%

Affordability

22.2%
rent-to-income
Affordability
21.5%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Reno, NV and Rockford, IL, the overall cost of living indices are 122 and 57 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $499/month cheaper in Rockford, saving renters about $5,988/year.

Median household income is $25,120/year higher in Reno. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Reno is $498,600 compared to $120,900 in Rockford.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Reno vs Rockford — common questions

Is Reno or Rockford cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Rockford is cheaper to live in with an index of 57 compared to 122 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Reno and Rockford?
Median rent in Reno is $1,453/month and in Rockford it's $954/month — a difference of $499/month.
Which city has higher income, Reno or Rockford?
Median household income is $78,448 in Reno and $53,328 in Rockford. Median household income is $25,120/year higher in Reno.
How do taxes compare between Nevada and Illinois?
Nevada has 0% income tax, 6.85% sales tax, and 0.53% property tax. Illinois has 4.95% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 2.07% property tax.
Should I move to Reno or Rockford?
It depends on your priorities. Reno has a cost index of 122 with median rent of $1,453/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 Reno details → View Rockford details →

More Comparisons

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