Cost of Living: Rockford, IL vs Lakeland, FL (2026)

Rockford

Illinois
57
VS

Lakeland

Florida
82

Rockford is 30% cheaper than Lakeland.

$954/mo ↓ 27%
Median Rent
$1,299/mo ↑ 36%
$53,328/yr ↓ 13%
Median Income
$60,947/yr ↑ 14%
$120,900 ↓ 47%
Home Value
$229,100 ↑ 89%
$947/mo ↓ 18%
Owner Costs
$1,149/mo ↑ 21%
147,649
Population
117,030

Tax Comparison

4.95%
Income Tax
0%
6.25%
State Sales Tax
6.0%
2.07%
Property Tax
0.86%

Affordability

21.5%
rent-to-income
Affordability
25.6%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Rockford, IL and Lakeland, FL, the overall cost of living indices are 57 and 82 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $345/month cheaper in Rockford, saving renters about $4,140/year.

Median household income is $7,619/year higher in Lakeland. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Rockford is $120,900 compared to $229,100 in Lakeland.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Rockford vs Lakeland — common questions

Is Rockford or Lakeland cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Rockford is cheaper to live in with an index of 57 compared to 82 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Rockford and Lakeland?
Median rent in Rockford is $954/month and in Lakeland it's $1,299/month — a difference of $345/month.
Which city has higher income, Rockford or Lakeland?
Median household income is $53,328 in Rockford and $60,947 in Lakeland. Median household income is $7,619/year higher in Lakeland.
How do taxes compare between Illinois and Florida?
Illinois has 4.95% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 2.07% property tax. Florida has 0% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 0.86% property tax.
Should I move to Rockford or Lakeland?
It depends on your priorities. Rockford has a cost index of 57 with median rent of $954/mo, while Lakeland has a cost index of 82 with rent of $1,299/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Rockford details → View Lakeland details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Rockford and Lakeland

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