Cost of Living: Rockford, IL vs Billings, MT (2026)

Rockford

Illinois
57
VS

Billings

Montana
86

Rockford is 34% cheaper than Billings.

$954/mo ↓ 13%
Median Rent
$1,097/mo ↑ 15%
$53,328/yr ↓ 26%
Median Income
$71,855/yr ↑ 35%
$120,900 ↓ 61%
Home Value
$311,800 ↑ 158%
$947/mo ↓ 20%
Owner Costs
$1,177/mo ↑ 24%
147,649
Population
118,321

Tax Comparison

4.95%
Income Tax
6.75%
6.25%
State Sales Tax
0%
2.07%
Property Tax
0.74%

Affordability

21.5%
rent-to-income
Affordability
18.3%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Rockford, IL and Billings, MT, the overall cost of living indices are 57 and 86 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $143/month cheaper in Rockford, saving renters about $1,716/year.

Median household income is $18,527/year higher in Billings. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Rockford is $120,900 compared to $311,800 in Billings.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Rockford vs Billings — common questions

Is Rockford or Billings cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Rockford is cheaper to live in with an index of 57 compared to 86 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Rockford and Billings?
Median rent in Rockford is $954/month and in Billings it's $1,097/month — a difference of $143/month.
Which city has higher income, Rockford or Billings?
Median household income is $53,328 in Rockford and $71,855 in Billings. Median household income is $18,527/year higher in Billings.
How do taxes compare between Illinois and Montana?
Illinois has 4.95% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 2.07% property tax. Montana has 6.75% income tax, 0% sales tax, and 0.74% property tax.
Should I move to Rockford or Billings?
It depends on your priorities. Rockford has a cost index of 57 with median rent of $954/mo, while Billings has a cost index of 86 with rent of $1,097/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Rockford details → View Billings details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Rockford and Billings

Rockford vs. Bridgeport Rockford vs. Savannah Rockford vs. Pomona Rockford vs. Denton Rockford vs. Mesquite Rockford vs. Syracuse Billings vs. Wilmington Billings vs. Richardson Billings vs. Spring Hill Billings vs. Cambridge Billings vs. West Palm Beach Billings vs. North Charleston