Cost of Living: Rockford, IL vs High Point, NC (2026)

Rockford

Illinois
57
VS

High Point

North Carolina
73

Rockford is 22% cheaper than High Point.

$954/mo ↓ 10%
Median Rent
$1,062/mo ↑ 11%
$53,328/yr ↓ 13%
Median Income
$61,228/yr ↑ 15%
$120,900 ↓ 43%
Home Value
$212,400 ↑ 76%
$947/mo ↓ 13%
Owner Costs
$1,084/mo ↑ 14%
147,649
Population
115,263

Tax Comparison

4.95%
Income Tax
4.5%
6.25%
State Sales Tax
4.75%
2.07%
Property Tax
0.8%

Affordability

21.5%
rent-to-income
Affordability
20.8%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Rockford, IL and High Point, NC, the overall cost of living indices are 57 and 73 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $108/month cheaper in Rockford, saving renters about $1,296/year.

Median household income is $7,900/year higher in High Point. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Rockford is $120,900 compared to $212,400 in High Point.

North Carolina has a lower income tax rate, making High Point slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Rockford vs High Point — common questions

Is Rockford or High Point cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Rockford is cheaper to live in with an index of 57 compared to 73 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Rockford and High Point?
Median rent in Rockford is $954/month and in High Point it's $1,062/month — a difference of $108/month.
Which city has higher income, Rockford or High Point?
Median household income is $53,328 in Rockford and $61,228 in High Point. Median household income is $7,900/year higher in High Point.
How do taxes compare between Illinois and North Carolina?
Illinois has 4.95% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 2.07% property tax. North Carolina has 4.5% income tax, 4.75% sales tax, and 0.8% property tax.
Should I move to Rockford or High Point?
It depends on your priorities. Rockford has a cost index of 57 with median rent of $954/mo, while High Point has a cost index of 73 with rent of $1,062/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Rockford details → View High Point details →

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