Cost of Living: Rockford, IL vs Evansville, IN (2026)

Rockford

Illinois
57
VS

Evansville

Indiana
57

Rockford and Evansville have a similar cost of living.

$954/mo ≈ Same
Median Rent
$949/mo ≈ Same
$53,328/yr ↑ 2%
Median Income
$52,251/yr ↓ 2%
$120,900 ↓ 6%
Home Value
$129,100 ↑ 7%
$947/mo ↑ 3%
Owner Costs
$919/mo ↓ 3%
147,649
Population
116,441

Tax Comparison

4.95%
Income Tax
3.05%
6.25%
State Sales Tax
7.0%
2.07%
Property Tax
0.83%

Affordability

21.5%
rent-to-income
Affordability
21.8%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Rockford, IL and Evansville, IN, the overall cost of living indices are 57 and 57 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is comparable in both cities, with less than $50/month separating them.

Median household income is $1,077/year higher in Rockford. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Rockford is $120,900 compared to $129,100 in Evansville.

Indiana has a lower income tax rate, making Evansville slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Rockford vs Evansville — common questions

Is Rockford or Evansville cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Evansville is cheaper to live in with an index of 57 compared to 57 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Rockford and Evansville?
Median rent in Rockford is $954/month and in Evansville it's $949/month — a difference of $5/month.
Which city has higher income, Rockford or Evansville?
Median household income is $53,328 in Rockford and $52,251 in Evansville. Median household income is $1,077/year higher in Rockford.
How do taxes compare between Illinois and Indiana?
Illinois has 4.95% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 2.07% property tax. Indiana has 3.05% income tax, 7.0% sales tax, and 0.83% property tax.
Should I move to Rockford or Evansville?
It depends on your priorities. Rockford has a cost index of 57 with median rent of $954/mo, while Evansville has a cost index of 57 with rent of $949/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Rockford details → View Evansville details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Rockford and Evansville

Rockford vs. Bridgeport Rockford vs. Savannah Rockford vs. Pomona Rockford vs. Denton Rockford vs. Mesquite Rockford vs. Syracuse Evansville vs. The Woodlands Evansville vs. Brandon Evansville vs. Lakeland Evansville vs. West Jordan Evansville vs. Clearwater Evansville vs. Broken Arrow