Cost of Living: Rockford, IL vs Dearborn, MI (2026)

Rockford

Illinois
57
VS

Dearborn

Michigan
79

Rockford is 28% cheaper than Dearborn.

$954/mo ↓ 25%
Median Rent
$1,264/mo ↑ 32%
$53,328/yr ↓ 18%
Median Income
$65,192/yr ↑ 22%
$120,900 ↓ 41%
Home Value
$205,900 ↑ 70%
$947/mo ↓ 19%
Owner Costs
$1,174/mo ↑ 24%
147,649
Population
107,846

Tax Comparison

4.95%
Income Tax
4.25%
6.25%
State Sales Tax
6.0%
2.07%
Property Tax
1.38%

Affordability

21.5%
rent-to-income
Affordability
23.3%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Rockford, IL and Dearborn, MI, the overall cost of living indices are 57 and 79 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $310/month cheaper in Rockford, saving renters about $3,720/year.

Median household income is $11,864/year higher in Dearborn. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Rockford is $120,900 compared to $205,900 in Dearborn.

Michigan has a lower income tax rate, making Dearborn slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Rockford vs Dearborn — common questions

Is Rockford or Dearborn cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Rockford is cheaper to live in with an index of 57 compared to 79 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Rockford and Dearborn?
Median rent in Rockford is $954/month and in Dearborn it's $1,264/month — a difference of $310/month.
Which city has higher income, Rockford or Dearborn?
Median household income is $53,328 in Rockford and $65,192 in Dearborn. Median household income is $11,864/year higher in Dearborn.
How do taxes compare between Illinois and Michigan?
Illinois has 4.95% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 2.07% property tax. Michigan has 4.25% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 1.38% property tax.
Should I move to Rockford or Dearborn?
It depends on your priorities. Rockford has a cost index of 57 with median rent of $954/mo, while Dearborn has a cost index of 79 with rent of $1,264/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Rockford details → View Dearborn details →

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