Cost of Living: Rockford, IL vs Athens, GA (2026)

Rockford

Illinois
57
VS

Athens

Georgia
83

Rockford is 31% cheaper than Athens.

$954/mo ↓ 18%
Median Rent
$1,162/mo ↑ 22%
$53,328/yr ↑ 3%
Median Income
$51,655/yr ↓ 3%
$120,900 ↓ 56%
Home Value
$271,800 ↑ 125%
$947/mo ↓ 19%
Owner Costs
$1,163/mo ↑ 23%
147,649
Population
126,987

Tax Comparison

4.95%
Income Tax
5.49%
6.25%
State Sales Tax
4.0%
2.07%
Property Tax
0.92%

Affordability

21.5%
rent-to-income
Affordability
27.0%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Rockford, IL and Athens, GA, the overall cost of living indices are 57 and 83 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $208/month cheaper in Rockford, saving renters about $2,496/year.

Median household income is $1,673/year higher in Rockford. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Rockford is $120,900 compared to $271,800 in Athens.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Rockford vs Athens — common questions

Is Rockford or Athens cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Rockford is cheaper to live in with an index of 57 compared to 83 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Rockford and Athens?
Median rent in Rockford is $954/month and in Athens it's $1,162/month — a difference of $208/month.
Which city has higher income, Rockford or Athens?
Median household income is $53,328 in Rockford and $51,655 in Athens. Median household income is $1,673/year higher in Rockford.
How do taxes compare between Illinois and Georgia?
Illinois has 4.95% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 2.07% property tax. Georgia has 5.49% income tax, 4.0% sales tax, and 0.92% property tax.
Should I move to Rockford or Athens?
It depends on your priorities. Rockford has a cost index of 57 with median rent of $954/mo, while Athens has a cost index of 83 with rent of $1,162/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Rockford details → View Athens details →

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