Cost of Living: Rockford, IL vs Cambridge, MA (2026)

Rockford

Illinois
57
VS

Cambridge

Massachusetts
239

Rockford is 76% cheaper than Cambridge.

$954/mo ↓ 65%
Median Rent
$2,742/mo ↑ 187%
$53,328/yr ↓ 58%
Median Income
$126,469/yr ↑ 137%
$120,900 ↓ 88%
Home Value
$1,040,500 ↑ 761%
$947/mo ↓ 64%
Owner Costs
$2,634/mo ↑ 178%
147,649
Population
117,794

Tax Comparison

4.95%
Income Tax
9.0%
6.25%
State Sales Tax
6.25%
2.07%
Property Tax
1.15%

Affordability

21.5%
rent-to-income
Affordability
26.0%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Rockford, IL and Cambridge, MA, the overall cost of living indices are 57 and 239 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $1,788/month cheaper in Rockford, saving renters about $21,456/year.

Median household income is $73,141/year higher in Cambridge. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Rockford is $120,900 compared to $1,040,500 in Cambridge.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Rockford vs Cambridge — common questions

Is Rockford or Cambridge cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Rockford is cheaper to live in with an index of 57 compared to 239 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Rockford and Cambridge?
Median rent in Rockford is $954/month and in Cambridge it's $2,742/month — a difference of $1,788/month.
Which city has higher income, Rockford or Cambridge?
Median household income is $53,328 in Rockford and $126,469 in Cambridge. Median household income is $73,141/year higher in Cambridge.
How do taxes compare between Illinois and Massachusetts?
Illinois has 4.95% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 2.07% property tax. Massachusetts has 9.0% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 1.15% property tax.
Should I move to Rockford or Cambridge?
It depends on your priorities. Rockford has a cost index of 57 with median rent of $954/mo, while Cambridge has a cost index of 239 with rent of $2,742/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Rockford details → View Cambridge details →

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