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

Rockford

Illinois
57
VS

College Station

Texas
91

Rockford is 37% cheaper than College Station.

$954/mo ↓ 18%
Median Rent
$1,168/mo ↑ 22%
$53,328/yr ↑ 3%
Median Income
$51,776/yr ↓ 3%
$120,900 ↓ 63%
Home Value
$326,500 ↑ 170%
$947/mo ↓ 24%
Owner Costs
$1,251/mo ↑ 32%
147,649
Population
122,280

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
27.1%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Rockford, IL and College Station, TX, the overall cost of living indices are 57 and 91 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $214/month cheaper in Rockford, saving renters about $2,568/year.

Median household income is $1,552/year higher in Rockford. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Rockford is $120,900 compared to $326,500 in College Station.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Rockford vs College Station — common questions

Is Rockford or College Station cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Rockford is cheaper to live in with an index of 57 compared to 91 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Rockford and College Station?
Median rent in Rockford is $954/month and in College Station it's $1,168/month — a difference of $214/month.
Which city has higher income, Rockford or College Station?
Median household income is $53,328 in Rockford and $51,776 in College Station. Median household income is $1,552/year higher in Rockford.
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 College Station?
It depends on your priorities. Rockford has a cost index of 57 with median rent of $954/mo, while College Station has a cost index of 91 with rent of $1,168/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Rockford details → View College Station details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Rockford and College Station

Rockford vs. Bridgeport Rockford vs. Savannah Rockford vs. Pomona Rockford vs. Denton Rockford vs. Mesquite Rockford vs. Syracuse College Station vs. Clovis College Station vs. Independence College Station vs. Arvada College Station vs. Rochester College Station vs. Concord College Station vs. Lafayette