Cost of Living: Rockford, IL vs Cedar Rapids, IA (2026)

Rockford

Illinois
57
VS

Cedar Rapids

Iowa
65

Rockford is 12% cheaper than Cedar Rapids.

$954/mo ↑ 3%
Median Rent
$925/mo ↓ 3%
$53,328/yr ↓ 21%
Median Income
$67,859/yr ↑ 27%
$120,900 ↓ 32%
Home Value
$177,100 ↑ 46%
$947/mo ↓ 13%
Owner Costs
$1,084/mo ↑ 14%
147,649
Population
136,859

Tax Comparison

4.95%
Income Tax
5.7%
6.25%
State Sales Tax
6.0%
2.07%
Property Tax
1.57%

Affordability

21.5%
rent-to-income
Affordability
16.4%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Rockford, IL and Cedar Rapids, IA, the overall cost of living indices are 57 and 65 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is comparable in both cities, with less than $50/month separating them.

Median household income is $14,531/year higher in Cedar Rapids. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Rockford is $120,900 compared to $177,100 in Cedar Rapids.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Rockford vs Cedar Rapids — common questions

Is Rockford or Cedar Rapids cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Rockford is cheaper to live in with an index of 57 compared to 65 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Rockford and Cedar Rapids?
Median rent in Rockford is $954/month and in Cedar Rapids it's $925/month — a difference of $29/month.
Which city has higher income, Rockford or Cedar Rapids?
Median household income is $53,328 in Rockford and $67,859 in Cedar Rapids. Median household income is $14,531/year higher in Cedar Rapids.
How do taxes compare between Illinois and Iowa?
Illinois has 4.95% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 2.07% property tax. Iowa has 5.7% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 1.57% property tax.
Should I move to Rockford or Cedar Rapids?
It depends on your priorities. Rockford has a cost index of 57 with median rent of $954/mo, while Cedar Rapids has a cost index of 65 with rent of $925/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Rockford details → View Cedar Rapids details →

More Comparisons

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