Cost of Living: Rockford, IL vs Gainesville, FL (2026)

Rockford

Illinois
57
VS

Gainesville

Florida
81

Rockford is 30% cheaper than Gainesville.

$954/mo ↓ 21%
Median Rent
$1,214/mo ↑ 27%
$53,328/yr ↑ 17%
Median Income
$45,611/yr ↓ 14%
$120,900 ↓ 49%
Home Value
$235,000 ↑ 94%
$947/mo ↓ 19%
Owner Costs
$1,167/mo ↑ 23%
147,649
Population
143,611

Tax Comparison

4.95%
Income Tax
0%
6.25%
State Sales Tax
6.0%
2.07%
Property Tax
0.86%

Affordability

21.5%
rent-to-income
Affordability
31.9%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Rockford, IL and Gainesville, FL, the overall cost of living indices are 57 and 81 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $260/month cheaper in Rockford, saving renters about $3,120/year.

Median household income is $7,717/year higher in Rockford. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Rockford is $120,900 compared to $235,000 in Gainesville.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Rockford vs Gainesville — common questions

Is Rockford or Gainesville cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Rockford is cheaper to live in with an index of 57 compared to 81 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Rockford and Gainesville?
Median rent in Rockford is $954/month and in Gainesville it's $1,214/month — a difference of $260/month.
Which city has higher income, Rockford or Gainesville?
Median household income is $53,328 in Rockford and $45,611 in Gainesville. Median household income is $7,717/year higher in Rockford.
How do taxes compare between Illinois and Florida?
Illinois has 4.95% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 2.07% property tax. Florida has 0% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 0.86% property tax.
Should I move to Rockford or Gainesville?
It depends on your priorities. Rockford has a cost index of 57 with median rent of $954/mo, while Gainesville has a cost index of 81 with rent of $1,214/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Rockford details → View Gainesville details →

More Comparisons

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