Cost of Living: Rockford, IL vs Hampton, VA (2026)

Rockford

Illinois
57
VS

Hampton

Virginia
88

Rockford is 35% cheaper than Hampton.

$954/mo ↓ 29%
Median Rent
$1,346/mo ↑ 41%
$53,328/yr ↓ 21%
Median Income
$67,758/yr ↑ 27%
$120,900 ↓ 48%
Home Value
$234,100 ↑ 94%
$947/mo ↓ 30%
Owner Costs
$1,347/mo ↑ 42%
147,649
Population
137,334

Tax Comparison

4.95%
Income Tax
5.75%
6.25%
State Sales Tax
5.3%
2.07%
Property Tax
0.8%

Affordability

21.5%
rent-to-income
Affordability
23.8%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Rockford, IL and Hampton, VA, the overall cost of living indices are 57 and 88 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $392/month cheaper in Rockford, saving renters about $4,704/year.

Median household income is $14,430/year higher in Hampton. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Rockford is $120,900 compared to $234,100 in Hampton.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Rockford vs Hampton — common questions

Is Rockford or Hampton cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Rockford is cheaper to live in with an index of 57 compared to 88 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Rockford and Hampton?
Median rent in Rockford is $954/month and in Hampton it's $1,346/month — a difference of $392/month.
Which city has higher income, Rockford or Hampton?
Median household income is $53,328 in Rockford and $67,758 in Hampton. Median household income is $14,430/year higher in Hampton.
How do taxes compare between Illinois and Virginia?
Illinois has 4.95% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 2.07% property tax. Virginia has 5.75% income tax, 5.3% sales tax, and 0.8% property tax.
Should I move to Rockford or Hampton?
It depends on your priorities. Rockford has a cost index of 57 with median rent of $954/mo, while Hampton has a cost index of 88 with rent of $1,346/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Rockford details → View Hampton details →

More Comparisons

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