Cost of Living: Rockford, IL vs Las Cruces, NM (2026)

Rockford

Illinois
57
VS

Las Cruces

New Mexico
68

Rockford is 16% cheaper than Las Cruces.

$954/mo ≈ Same
Median Rent
$946/mo ≈ Same
$53,328/yr ↓ 3%
Median Income
$55,176/yr ↑ 3%
$120,900 ↓ 44%
Home Value
$217,400 ↑ 80%
$947/mo ↓ 3%
Owner Costs
$974/mo ↑ 3%
147,649
Population
112,612

Tax Comparison

4.95%
Income Tax
5.9%
6.25%
State Sales Tax
5.0%
2.07%
Property Tax
0.67%

Affordability

21.5%
rent-to-income
Affordability
20.6%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Rockford, IL and Las Cruces, NM, the overall cost of living indices are 57 and 68 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is comparable in both cities, with less than $50/month separating them.

Median household income is $1,848/year higher in Las Cruces. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Rockford is $120,900 compared to $217,400 in Las Cruces.

Illinois has a lower income tax rate, making Rockford slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Rockford vs Las Cruces — common questions

Is Rockford or Las Cruces cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Rockford is cheaper to live in with an index of 57 compared to 68 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Rockford and Las Cruces?
Median rent in Rockford is $954/month and in Las Cruces it's $946/month — a difference of $8/month.
Which city has higher income, Rockford or Las Cruces?
Median household income is $53,328 in Rockford and $55,176 in Las Cruces. Median household income is $1,848/year higher in Las Cruces.
How do taxes compare between Illinois and New Mexico?
Illinois has 4.95% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 2.07% property tax. New Mexico has 5.9% income tax, 5.0% sales tax, and 0.67% property tax.
Should I move to Rockford or Las Cruces?
It depends on your priorities. Rockford has a cost index of 57 with median rent of $954/mo, while Las Cruces has a cost index of 68 with rent of $946/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Rockford details → View Las Cruces details →

More Comparisons

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