Cost of Living: Rockford, IL vs Dayton, OH (2026)

Rockford

Illinois
57
VS

Dayton

Ohio
50

Rockford is 14% more expensive than Dayton.

$954/mo ↑ 10%
Median Rent
$866/mo ↓ 9%
$53,328/yr ↑ 23%
Median Income
$43,454/yr ↓ 19%
$120,900 ↑ 30%
Home Value
$93,200 ↓ 23%
$947/mo ↑ 14%
Owner Costs
$833/mo ↓ 12%
147,649
Population
136,741

Tax Comparison

4.95%
Income Tax
3.5%
6.25%
State Sales Tax
5.75%
2.07%
Property Tax
1.53%

Affordability

21.5%
rent-to-income
Affordability
23.9%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Rockford, IL and Dayton, OH, the overall cost of living indices are 57 and 50 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $88/month cheaper in Dayton, saving renters about $1,056/year.

Median household income is $9,874/year higher in Rockford. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Rockford is $120,900 compared to $93,200 in Dayton.

Ohio has a lower income tax rate, making Dayton slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Rockford vs Dayton — common questions

Is Rockford or Dayton cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Dayton is cheaper to live in with an index of 50 compared to 57 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Rockford and Dayton?
Median rent in Rockford is $954/month and in Dayton it's $866/month — a difference of $88/month.
Which city has higher income, Rockford or Dayton?
Median household income is $53,328 in Rockford and $43,454 in Dayton. Median household income is $9,874/year higher in Rockford.
How do taxes compare between Illinois and Ohio?
Illinois has 4.95% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 2.07% property tax. Ohio has 3.5% income tax, 5.75% sales tax, and 1.53% property tax.
Should I move to Rockford or Dayton?
It depends on your priorities. Rockford has a cost index of 57 with median rent of $954/mo, while Dayton has a cost index of 50 with rent of $866/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Rockford details → View Dayton details →

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