Cost of Living: Rockford, IL vs Allentown, PA (2026)

Rockford

Illinois
57
VS

Allentown

Pennsylvania
79

Rockford is 28% cheaper than Allentown.

$954/mo ↓ 25%
Median Rent
$1,269/mo ↑ 33%
$53,328/yr ≈ Same
Median Income
$53,403/yr ≈ Same
$120,900 ↓ 36%
Home Value
$188,900 ↑ 56%
$947/mo ↓ 24%
Owner Costs
$1,243/mo ↑ 31%
147,649
Population
125,320

Tax Comparison

4.95%
Income Tax
3.07%
6.25%
State Sales Tax
6.0%
2.07%
Property Tax
1.49%

Affordability

21.5%
rent-to-income
Affordability
28.5%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Rockford, IL and Allentown, PA, the overall cost of living indices are 57 and 79 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $315/month cheaper in Rockford, saving renters about $3,780/year.

Median household income is $75/year higher in Allentown. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Rockford is $120,900 compared to $188,900 in Allentown.

Pennsylvania has a lower income tax rate, making Allentown slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Rockford vs Allentown — common questions

Is Rockford or Allentown cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Rockford is cheaper to live in with an index of 57 compared to 79 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Rockford and Allentown?
Median rent in Rockford is $954/month and in Allentown it's $1,269/month — a difference of $315/month.
Which city has higher income, Rockford or Allentown?
Median household income is $53,328 in Rockford and $53,403 in Allentown. Median household income is $75/year higher in Allentown.
How do taxes compare between Illinois and Pennsylvania?
Illinois has 4.95% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 2.07% property tax. Pennsylvania has 3.07% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 1.49% property tax.
Should I move to Rockford or Allentown?
It depends on your priorities. Rockford has a cost index of 57 with median rent of $954/mo, while Allentown has a cost index of 79 with rent of $1,269/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Rockford details → View Allentown details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Rockford and Allentown

Rockford vs. Bridgeport Rockford vs. Savannah Rockford vs. Pomona Rockford vs. Denton Rockford vs. Mesquite Rockford vs. Syracuse Allentown vs. Thousand Oaks Allentown vs. Palm Bay Allentown vs. Simi Valley Allentown vs. Meridian Allentown vs. Pearland Allentown vs. Vallejo