Cost of Living: Rockford, IL vs Clearwater, FL (2026)

Rockford

Illinois
57
VS

Clearwater

Florida
105

Rockford is 46% cheaper than Clearwater.

$954/mo ↓ 38%
Median Rent
$1,539/mo ↑ 61%
$53,328/yr ↓ 17%
Median Income
$64,440/yr ↑ 21%
$120,900 ↓ 63%
Home Value
$326,100 ↑ 170%
$947/mo ↓ 33%
Owner Costs
$1,411/mo ↑ 49%
147,649
Population
117,075

Tax Comparison

4.95%
Income Tax
0%
6.25%
State Sales Tax
6.0%
2.07%
Property Tax
0.86%

Affordability

21.5%
rent-to-income
Affordability
28.7%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Rockford, IL and Clearwater, FL, the overall cost of living indices are 57 and 105 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $585/month cheaper in Rockford, saving renters about $7,020/year.

Median household income is $11,112/year higher in Clearwater. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Rockford is $120,900 compared to $326,100 in Clearwater.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Rockford vs Clearwater — common questions

Is Rockford or Clearwater cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Rockford is cheaper to live in with an index of 57 compared to 105 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Rockford and Clearwater?
Median rent in Rockford is $954/month and in Clearwater it's $1,539/month — a difference of $585/month.
Which city has higher income, Rockford or Clearwater?
Median household income is $53,328 in Rockford and $64,440 in Clearwater. Median household income is $11,112/year higher in Clearwater.
How do taxes compare between Illinois and Florida?
Illinois has 4.95% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 2.07% property tax. Florida has 0% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 0.86% property tax.
Should I move to Rockford or Clearwater?
It depends on your priorities. Rockford has a cost index of 57 with median rent of $954/mo, while Clearwater has a cost index of 105 with rent of $1,539/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Rockford details → View Clearwater details →

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