Cost of Living: Rockford, IL vs Columbia, SC (2026)

Rockford

Illinois
57
VS

Columbia

South Carolina
80

Rockford is 29% cheaper than Columbia.

$954/mo ↓ 18%
Median Rent
$1,158/mo ↑ 21%
$53,328/yr ↓ 4%
Median Income
$55,653/yr ↑ 4%
$120,900 ↓ 50%
Home Value
$243,500 ↑ 101%
$947/mo ↓ 19%
Owner Costs
$1,169/mo ↑ 23%
147,649
Population
138,019

Tax Comparison

4.95%
Income Tax
6.4%
6.25%
State Sales Tax
6.0%
2.07%
Property Tax
0.57%

Affordability

21.5%
rent-to-income
Affordability
25.0%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Rockford, IL and Columbia, SC, the overall cost of living indices are 57 and 80 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $204/month cheaper in Rockford, saving renters about $2,448/year.

Median household income is $2,325/year higher in Columbia. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Rockford is $120,900 compared to $243,500 in Columbia.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Rockford vs Columbia — common questions

Is Rockford or Columbia cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Rockford is cheaper to live in with an index of 57 compared to 80 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Rockford and Columbia?
Median rent in Rockford is $954/month and in Columbia it's $1,158/month — a difference of $204/month.
Which city has higher income, Rockford or Columbia?
Median household income is $53,328 in Rockford and $55,653 in Columbia. Median household income is $2,325/year higher in Columbia.
How do taxes compare between Illinois and South Carolina?
Illinois has 4.95% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 2.07% property tax. South Carolina has 6.4% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 0.57% property tax.
Should I move to Rockford or Columbia?
It depends on your priorities. Rockford has a cost index of 57 with median rent of $954/mo, while Columbia has a cost index of 80 with rent of $1,158/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Rockford details → View Columbia details →

More Comparisons

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