Cost of Living: Rockford, IL vs Everett, WA (2026)

Rockford

Illinois
57
VS

Everett

Washington
137

Rockford is 58% cheaper than Everett.

$954/mo ↓ 43%
Median Rent
$1,675/mo ↑ 76%
$53,328/yr ↓ 35%
Median Income
$81,502/yr ↑ 53%
$120,900 ↓ 77%
Home Value
$532,300 ↑ 340%
$947/mo ↓ 46%
Owner Costs
$1,738/mo ↑ 84%
147,649
Population
111,083

Tax Comparison

4.95%
Income Tax
0%
6.25%
State Sales Tax
6.5%
2.07%
Property Tax
0.92%

Affordability

21.5%
rent-to-income
Affordability
24.7%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Rockford, IL and Everett, WA, the overall cost of living indices are 57 and 137 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $721/month cheaper in Rockford, saving renters about $8,652/year.

Median household income is $28,174/year higher in Everett. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Rockford is $120,900 compared to $532,300 in Everett.

Washington has no state income tax, giving Everett residents a significant tax advantage over Illinois's 4.95% rate.

Frequently Asked Questions

Rockford vs Everett — common questions

Is Rockford or Everett cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Rockford is cheaper to live in with an index of 57 compared to 137 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Rockford and Everett?
Median rent in Rockford is $954/month and in Everett it's $1,675/month — a difference of $721/month.
Which city has higher income, Rockford or Everett?
Median household income is $53,328 in Rockford and $81,502 in Everett. Median household income is $28,174/year higher in Everett.
How do taxes compare between Illinois and Washington?
Illinois has 4.95% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 2.07% property tax. Washington has 0% income tax, 6.5% sales tax, and 0.92% property tax.
Should I move to Rockford or Everett?
It depends on your priorities. Rockford has a cost index of 57 with median rent of $954/mo, while Everett has a cost index of 137 with rent of $1,675/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Rockford details → View Everett details →

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