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

Rockford

Illinois
57
VS

Allen

Texas
137

Rockford is 58% cheaper than Allen.

$954/mo ↓ 49%
Median Rent
$1,877/mo ↑ 97%
$53,328/yr ↓ 59%
Median Income
$129,130/yr ↑ 142%
$120,900 ↓ 72%
Home Value
$429,900 ↑ 256%
$947/mo ↓ 55%
Owner Costs
$2,083/mo ↑ 120%
147,649
Population
107,684

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
17.4%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Rockford, IL and Allen, TX, the overall cost of living indices are 57 and 137 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $923/month cheaper in Rockford, saving renters about $11,076/year.

Median household income is $75,802/year higher in Allen. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Rockford is $120,900 compared to $429,900 in Allen.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Rockford vs Allen — common questions

Is Rockford or Allen cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Rockford is cheaper to live in with an index of 57 compared to 137 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Rockford and Allen?
Median rent in Rockford is $954/month and in Allen it's $1,877/month — a difference of $923/month.
Which city has higher income, Rockford or Allen?
Median household income is $53,328 in Rockford and $129,130 in Allen. Median household income is $75,802/year higher in Allen.
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 Allen?
It depends on your priorities. Rockford has a cost index of 57 with median rent of $954/mo, while Allen has a cost index of 137 with rent of $1,877/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Rockford details → View Allen details →

More Comparisons

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