Cost of Living: Rockford, IL vs Lansing, MI (2026)

Rockford

Illinois
57
VS

Lansing

Michigan
58

Rockford and Lansing have a similar cost of living.

$954/mo ↓ 2%
Median Rent
$976/mo ↑ 2%
$53,328/yr ↑ 2%
Median Income
$52,170/yr ↓ 2%
$120,900 ↑ 1%
Home Value
$119,400 ↓ 1%
$947/mo ↓ 3%
Owner Costs
$978/mo ↑ 3%
147,649
Population
112,546

Tax Comparison

4.95%
Income Tax
4.25%
6.25%
State Sales Tax
6.0%
2.07%
Property Tax
1.38%

Affordability

21.5%
rent-to-income
Affordability
22.4%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Rockford, IL and Lansing, MI, the overall cost of living indices are 57 and 58 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is comparable in both cities, with less than $50/month separating them.

Median household income is $1,158/year higher in Rockford. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Rockford is $120,900 compared to $119,400 in Lansing.

Michigan has a lower income tax rate, making Lansing slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Rockford vs Lansing — common questions

Is Rockford or Lansing cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Rockford is cheaper to live in with an index of 57 compared to 58 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Rockford and Lansing?
Median rent in Rockford is $954/month and in Lansing it's $976/month — a difference of $22/month.
Which city has higher income, Rockford or Lansing?
Median household income is $53,328 in Rockford and $52,170 in Lansing. Median household income is $1,158/year higher in Rockford.
How do taxes compare between Illinois and Michigan?
Illinois has 4.95% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 2.07% property tax. Michigan has 4.25% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 1.38% property tax.
Should I move to Rockford or Lansing?
It depends on your priorities. Rockford has a cost index of 57 with median rent of $954/mo, while Lansing has a cost index of 58 with rent of $976/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Rockford details → View Lansing details →

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