Cost of Living: Rockford, IL vs Arvada, CO (2026)

Rockford

Illinois
57
VS

Arvada

Colorado
152

Rockford is 62% cheaper than Arvada.

$954/mo ↓ 47%
Median Rent
$1,802/mo ↑ 89%
$53,328/yr ↓ 53%
Median Income
$113,396/yr ↑ 113%
$120,900 ↓ 80%
Home Value
$600,800 ↑ 397%
$947/mo ↓ 51%
Owner Costs
$1,948/mo ↑ 106%
147,649
Population
122,835

Tax Comparison

4.95%
Income Tax
4.4%
6.25%
State Sales Tax
2.9%
2.07%
Property Tax
0.51%

Affordability

21.5%
rent-to-income
Affordability
19.1%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Rockford, IL and Arvada, CO, the overall cost of living indices are 57 and 152 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $848/month cheaper in Rockford, saving renters about $10,176/year.

Median household income is $60,068/year higher in Arvada. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Rockford is $120,900 compared to $600,800 in Arvada.

Colorado has a lower income tax rate, making Arvada slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Rockford vs Arvada — common questions

Is Rockford or Arvada cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Rockford is cheaper to live in with an index of 57 compared to 152 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Rockford and Arvada?
Median rent in Rockford is $954/month and in Arvada it's $1,802/month — a difference of $848/month.
Which city has higher income, Rockford or Arvada?
Median household income is $53,328 in Rockford and $113,396 in Arvada. Median household income is $60,068/year higher in Arvada.
How do taxes compare between Illinois and Colorado?
Illinois has 4.95% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 2.07% property tax. Colorado has 4.4% income tax, 2.9% sales tax, and 0.51% property tax.
Should I move to Rockford or Arvada?
It depends on your priorities. Rockford has a cost index of 57 with median rent of $954/mo, while Arvada has a cost index of 152 with rent of $1,802/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Rockford details → View Arvada details →

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