Cost of Living: Rockford, IL vs Kent, WA (2026)

Rockford

Illinois
57
VS

Kent

Washington
145

Rockford is 61% cheaper than Kent.

$954/mo ↓ 48%
Median Rent
$1,833/mo ↑ 92%
$53,328/yr ↓ 41%
Median Income
$90,416/yr ↑ 70%
$120,900 ↓ 78%
Home Value
$537,500 ↑ 345%
$947/mo ↓ 51%
Owner Costs
$1,915/mo ↑ 102%
147,649
Population
135,015

Tax Comparison

4.95%
Income Tax
0%
6.25%
State Sales Tax
6.5%
2.07%
Property Tax
0.92%

Affordability

21.5%
rent-to-income
Affordability
24.3%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Rockford, IL and Kent, WA, the overall cost of living indices are 57 and 145 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $879/month cheaper in Rockford, saving renters about $10,548/year.

Median household income is $37,088/year higher in Kent. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Rockford is $120,900 compared to $537,500 in Kent.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Rockford vs Kent — common questions

Is Rockford or Kent cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Rockford is cheaper to live in with an index of 57 compared to 145 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Rockford and Kent?
Median rent in Rockford is $954/month and in Kent it's $1,833/month — a difference of $879/month.
Which city has higher income, Rockford or Kent?
Median household income is $53,328 in Rockford and $90,416 in Kent. Median household income is $37,088/year higher in Kent.
How do taxes compare between Illinois and Washington?
Illinois has 4.95% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 2.07% property tax. Washington has 0% income tax, 6.5% sales tax, and 0.92% property tax.
Should I move to Rockford or Kent?
It depends on your priorities. Rockford has a cost index of 57 with median rent of $954/mo, while Kent has a cost index of 145 with rent of $1,833/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Rockford details → View Kent details →

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