Cost of Living: Rockford, IL vs Carrollton, TX (2026)

Rockford

Illinois
57
VS

Carrollton

Texas
116

Rockford is 51% cheaper than Carrollton.

$954/mo ↓ 43%
Median Rent
$1,674/mo ↑ 75%
$53,328/yr ↓ 46%
Median Income
$99,115/yr ↑ 86%
$120,900 ↓ 66%
Home Value
$353,600 ↑ 192%
$947/mo ↓ 44%
Owner Costs
$1,689/mo ↑ 78%
147,649
Population
132,741

Tax Comparison

4.95%
Income Tax
0%
6.25%
State Sales Tax
6.25%
2.07%
Property Tax
1.6%

Affordability

21.5%
rent-to-income
Affordability
20.3%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Rockford, IL and Carrollton, TX, the overall cost of living indices are 57 and 116 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $720/month cheaper in Rockford, saving renters about $8,640/year.

Median household income is $45,787/year higher in Carrollton. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Rockford is $120,900 compared to $353,600 in Carrollton.

Texas has no state income tax, giving Carrollton residents a significant tax advantage over Illinois's 4.95% rate.

Frequently Asked Questions

Rockford vs Carrollton — common questions

Is Rockford or Carrollton cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Rockford is cheaper to live in with an index of 57 compared to 116 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Rockford and Carrollton?
Median rent in Rockford is $954/month and in Carrollton it's $1,674/month — a difference of $720/month.
Which city has higher income, Rockford or Carrollton?
Median household income is $53,328 in Rockford and $99,115 in Carrollton. Median household income is $45,787/year higher in Carrollton.
How do taxes compare between Illinois and Texas?
Illinois has 4.95% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 2.07% property tax. Texas has 0% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 1.6% property tax.
Should I move to Rockford or Carrollton?
It depends on your priorities. Rockford has a cost index of 57 with median rent of $954/mo, while Carrollton has a cost index of 116 with rent of $1,674/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Rockford details → View Carrollton details →

More Comparisons

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