Cost of Living: Rockford, IL vs Elgin, IL (2026)

Rockford

Illinois
57
VS

Elgin

Illinois
90

Rockford is 37% cheaper than Elgin.

$954/mo ↓ 24%
Median Rent
$1,260/mo ↑ 32%
$53,328/yr ↓ 40%
Median Income
$88,316/yr ↑ 66%
$120,900 ↓ 52%
Home Value
$252,400 ↑ 109%
$947/mo ↓ 37%
Owner Costs
$1,502/mo ↑ 59%
147,649
Population
114,106

Tax Comparison

4.95%
Income Tax
4.95%
6.25%
State Sales Tax
6.25%
2.07%
Property Tax
2.07%

Affordability

21.5%
rent-to-income
Affordability
17.1%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Rockford, IL and Elgin, IL, the overall cost of living indices are 57 and 90 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $306/month cheaper in Rockford, saving renters about $3,672/year.

Median household income is $34,988/year higher in Elgin. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Rockford is $120,900 compared to $252,400 in Elgin.

Both cities share the same state tax structure since they are in Illinois.

Frequently Asked Questions

Rockford vs Elgin — common questions

Is Rockford or Elgin cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Rockford is cheaper to live in with an index of 57 compared to 90 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Rockford and Elgin?
Median rent in Rockford is $954/month and in Elgin it's $1,260/month — a difference of $306/month.
Which city has higher income, Rockford or Elgin?
Median household income is $53,328 in Rockford and $88,316 in Elgin. Median household income is $34,988/year higher in Elgin.
How do taxes compare between Illinois and Illinois?
Both cities are in Illinois and share the same state tax rates: 4.95% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 2.07% property tax.
Should I move to Rockford or Elgin?
It depends on your priorities. Rockford has a cost index of 57 with median rent of $954/mo, while Elgin has a cost index of 90 with rent of $1,260/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Rockford details → View Elgin details →

More Comparisons

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