Cost of Living: Richmond, VA vs Rockford, IL (2026)

Richmond

Virginia
98
VS

Rockford

Illinois
57

Richmond is 72% more expensive than Rockford.

$1,314/mo ↑ 38%
Median Rent
$954/mo ↓ 27%
$62,671/yr ↑ 18%
Median Income
$53,328/yr ↓ 15%
$328,100 ↑ 171%
Home Value
$120,900 ↓ 63%
$1,374/mo ↑ 45%
Owner Costs
$947/mo ↓ 31%
227,595
Population
147,649

Tax Comparison

5.75%
Income Tax
4.95%
5.3%
State Sales Tax
6.25%
0.8%
Property Tax
2.07%

Affordability

25.2%
rent-to-income
Affordability
21.5%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Richmond, VA and Rockford, IL, the overall cost of living indices are 98 and 57 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $360/month cheaper in Rockford, saving renters about $4,320/year.

Median household income is $9,343/year higher in Richmond. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Richmond is $328,100 compared to $120,900 in Rockford.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Richmond vs Rockford — common questions

Is Richmond or Rockford cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Rockford is cheaper to live in with an index of 57 compared to 98 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Richmond and Rockford?
Median rent in Richmond is $1,314/month and in Rockford it's $954/month — a difference of $360/month.
Which city has higher income, Richmond or Rockford?
Median household income is $62,671 in Richmond and $53,328 in Rockford. Median household income is $9,343/year higher in Richmond.
How do taxes compare between Virginia and Illinois?
Virginia has 5.75% income tax, 5.3% 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 Richmond or Rockford?
It depends on your priorities. Richmond has a cost index of 98 with median rent of $1,314/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 Richmond details → View Rockford details →

More Comparisons

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