Cost of Living: Rockford, IL vs Hartford, CT (2026)

Rockford

Illinois
57
VS

Hartford

Connecticut
81

Rockford is 30% cheaper than Hartford.

$954/mo ↓ 22%
Median Rent
$1,221/mo ↑ 28%
$53,328/yr ↑ 18%
Median Income
$45,300/yr ↓ 15%
$120,900 ↓ 44%
Home Value
$217,200 ↑ 80%
$947/mo ↓ 26%
Owner Costs
$1,279/mo ↑ 35%
147,649
Population
119,970

Tax Comparison

4.95%
Income Tax
6.99%
6.25%
State Sales Tax
6.35%
2.07%
Property Tax
2.15%

Affordability

21.5%
rent-to-income
Affordability
32.3%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Rockford, IL and Hartford, CT, the overall cost of living indices are 57 and 81 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $267/month cheaper in Rockford, saving renters about $3,204/year.

Median household income is $8,028/year higher in Rockford. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Rockford is $120,900 compared to $217,200 in Hartford.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Rockford vs Hartford — common questions

Is Rockford or Hartford 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 Hartford?
Median rent in Rockford is $954/month and in Hartford it's $1,221/month — a difference of $267/month.
Which city has higher income, Rockford or Hartford?
Median household income is $53,328 in Rockford and $45,300 in Hartford. Median household income is $8,028/year higher in Rockford.
How do taxes compare between Illinois and Connecticut?
Illinois has 4.95% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 2.07% property tax. Connecticut has 6.99% income tax, 6.35% sales tax, and 2.15% property tax.
Should I move to Rockford or Hartford?
It depends on your priorities. Rockford has a cost index of 57 with median rent of $954/mo, while Hartford has a cost index of 81 with rent of $1,221/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Rockford details → View Hartford details →

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