Cost of Living: Rockford, IL vs Elizabeth, NJ (2026)

Rockford

Illinois
57
VS

Elizabeth

New Jersey
112

Rockford is 49% cheaper than Elizabeth.

$954/mo ↓ 35%
Median Rent
$1,463/mo ↑ 53%
$53,328/yr ↓ 17%
Median Income
$63,874/yr ↑ 20%
$120,900 ↓ 69%
Home Value
$393,500 ↑ 225%
$947/mo ↓ 39%
Owner Costs
$1,543/mo ↑ 63%
147,649
Population
135,887

Tax Comparison

4.95%
Income Tax
10.75%
6.25%
State Sales Tax
6.625%
2.07%
Property Tax
2.23%

Affordability

21.5%
rent-to-income
Affordability
27.5%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Rockford, IL and Elizabeth, NJ, the overall cost of living indices are 57 and 112 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $509/month cheaper in Rockford, saving renters about $6,108/year.

Median household income is $10,546/year higher in Elizabeth. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Rockford is $120,900 compared to $393,500 in Elizabeth.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Rockford vs Elizabeth — common questions

Is Rockford or Elizabeth cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Rockford is cheaper to live in with an index of 57 compared to 112 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Rockford and Elizabeth?
Median rent in Rockford is $954/month and in Elizabeth it's $1,463/month — a difference of $509/month.
Which city has higher income, Rockford or Elizabeth?
Median household income is $53,328 in Rockford and $63,874 in Elizabeth. Median household income is $10,546/year higher in Elizabeth.
How do taxes compare between Illinois and New Jersey?
Illinois has 4.95% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 2.07% property tax. New Jersey has 10.75% income tax, 6.625% sales tax, and 2.23% property tax.
Should I move to Rockford or Elizabeth?
It depends on your priorities. Rockford has a cost index of 57 with median rent of $954/mo, while Elizabeth has a cost index of 112 with rent of $1,463/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Rockford details → View Elizabeth details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Rockford and Elizabeth

Rockford vs. Bridgeport Rockford vs. Savannah Rockford vs. Pomona Rockford vs. Denton Rockford vs. Mesquite Rockford vs. Syracuse Elizabeth vs. Victorville Elizabeth vs. Stamford Elizabeth vs. Miramar Elizabeth vs. Kent Elizabeth vs. Pasadena Elizabeth vs. Midland