Cost of Living: Rockford, IL vs Lafayette, LA (2026)

Rockford

Illinois
57
VS

Lafayette

Louisiana
77

Rockford is 26% cheaper than Lafayette.

$954/mo ↓ 10%
Median Rent
$1,065/mo ↑ 12%
$53,328/yr ↓ 13%
Median Income
$61,454/yr ↑ 15%
$120,900 ↓ 52%
Home Value
$251,300 ↑ 108%
$947/mo ↓ 10%
Owner Costs
$1,057/mo ↑ 12%
147,649
Population
121,537

Tax Comparison

4.95%
Income Tax
4.25%
6.25%
State Sales Tax
4.45%
2.07%
Property Tax
0.55%

Affordability

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

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Rockford, IL and Lafayette, LA, the overall cost of living indices are 57 and 77 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $111/month cheaper in Rockford, saving renters about $1,332/year.

Median household income is $8,126/year higher in Lafayette. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Rockford is $120,900 compared to $251,300 in Lafayette.

Louisiana has a lower income tax rate, making Lafayette slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Rockford vs Lafayette — common questions

Is Rockford or Lafayette cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Rockford is cheaper to live in with an index of 57 compared to 77 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Rockford and Lafayette?
Median rent in Rockford is $954/month and in Lafayette it's $1,065/month — a difference of $111/month.
Which city has higher income, Rockford or Lafayette?
Median household income is $53,328 in Rockford and $61,454 in Lafayette. Median household income is $8,126/year higher in Lafayette.
How do taxes compare between Illinois and Louisiana?
Illinois has 4.95% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 2.07% property tax. Louisiana has 4.25% income tax, 4.45% sales tax, and 0.55% property tax.
Should I move to Rockford or Lafayette?
It depends on your priorities. Rockford has a cost index of 57 with median rent of $954/mo, while Lafayette has a cost index of 77 with rent of $1,065/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Rockford details → View Lafayette details →

More Comparisons

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