Cost of Living: Rockford, IL vs Gresham, OR (2026)

Rockford

Illinois
57
VS

Gresham

Oregon
119

Rockford is 52% cheaper than Gresham.

$954/mo ↓ 37%
Median Rent
$1,508/mo ↑ 58%
$53,328/yr ↓ 28%
Median Income
$73,608/yr ↑ 38%
$120,900 ↓ 73%
Home Value
$440,000 ↑ 264%
$947/mo ↓ 40%
Owner Costs
$1,590/mo ↑ 68%
147,649
Population
112,818

Tax Comparison

4.95%
Income Tax
9.9%
6.25%
State Sales Tax
0%
2.07%
Property Tax
0.93%

Affordability

21.5%
rent-to-income
Affordability
24.6%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Rockford, IL and Gresham, OR, the overall cost of living indices are 57 and 119 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $554/month cheaper in Rockford, saving renters about $6,648/year.

Median household income is $20,280/year higher in Gresham. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Rockford is $120,900 compared to $440,000 in Gresham.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Rockford vs Gresham — common questions

Is Rockford or Gresham cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Rockford is cheaper to live in with an index of 57 compared to 119 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Rockford and Gresham?
Median rent in Rockford is $954/month and in Gresham it's $1,508/month — a difference of $554/month.
Which city has higher income, Rockford or Gresham?
Median household income is $53,328 in Rockford and $73,608 in Gresham. Median household income is $20,280/year higher in Gresham.
How do taxes compare between Illinois and Oregon?
Illinois has 4.95% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 2.07% property tax. Oregon has 9.9% income tax, 0% sales tax, and 0.93% property tax.
Should I move to Rockford or Gresham?
It depends on your priorities. Rockford has a cost index of 57 with median rent of $954/mo, while Gresham has a cost index of 119 with rent of $1,508/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Rockford details → View Gresham details →

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