Cost of Living: Rockford, IL vs Abilene, TX (2026)

Rockford

Illinois
57
VS

Abilene

Texas
71

Rockford is 20% cheaper than Abilene.

$954/mo ↓ 14%
Median Rent
$1,106/mo ↑ 16%
$53,328/yr ↓ 15%
Median Income
$62,720/yr ↑ 18%
$120,900 ↓ 32%
Home Value
$178,900 ↑ 48%
$947/mo ↓ 15%
Owner Costs
$1,114/mo ↑ 18%
147,649
Population
127,130

Tax Comparison

4.95%
Income Tax
0%
6.25%
State Sales Tax
6.25%
2.07%
Property Tax
1.6%

Affordability

21.5%
rent-to-income
Affordability
21.2%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Rockford, IL and Abilene, TX, the overall cost of living indices are 57 and 71 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $152/month cheaper in Rockford, saving renters about $1,824/year.

Median household income is $9,392/year higher in Abilene. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Rockford is $120,900 compared to $178,900 in Abilene.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Rockford vs Abilene — common questions

Is Rockford or Abilene cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Rockford is cheaper to live in with an index of 57 compared to 71 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Rockford and Abilene?
Median rent in Rockford is $954/month and in Abilene it's $1,106/month — a difference of $152/month.
Which city has higher income, Rockford or Abilene?
Median household income is $53,328 in Rockford and $62,720 in Abilene. Median household income is $9,392/year higher in Abilene.
How do taxes compare between Illinois and Texas?
Illinois has 4.95% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 2.07% property tax. Texas has 0% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 1.6% property tax.
Should I move to Rockford or Abilene?
It depends on your priorities. Rockford has a cost index of 57 with median rent of $954/mo, while Abilene has a cost index of 71 with rent of $1,106/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Rockford details → View Abilene details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Rockford and Abilene

Rockford vs. Bridgeport Rockford vs. Savannah Rockford vs. Pomona Rockford vs. Denton Rockford vs. Mesquite Rockford vs. Syracuse Abilene vs. Columbia Abilene vs. Athens Abilene vs. Lehigh Acres Abilene vs. Topeka Abilene vs. Lewisville Abilene vs. Pearland