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

Rockford

Illinois
57
VS

Lehigh Acres

Florida
95

Rockford is 40% cheaper than Lehigh Acres.

$954/mo ↓ 36%
Median Rent
$1,496/mo ↑ 57%
$53,328/yr ↓ 14%
Median Income
$62,330/yr ↑ 17%
$120,900 ↓ 54%
Home Value
$263,200 ↑ 118%
$947/mo ↓ 29%
Owner Costs
$1,330/mo ↑ 40%
147,649
Population
127,391

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
28.8%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Rockford, IL and Lehigh Acres, FL, the overall cost of living indices are 57 and 95 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $542/month cheaper in Rockford, saving renters about $6,504/year.

Median household income is $9,002/year higher in Lehigh Acres. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Rockford is $120,900 compared to $263,200 in Lehigh Acres.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Rockford vs Lehigh Acres — common questions

Is Rockford or Lehigh Acres cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Rockford is cheaper to live in with an index of 57 compared to 95 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Rockford and Lehigh Acres?
Median rent in Rockford is $954/month and in Lehigh Acres it's $1,496/month — a difference of $542/month.
Which city has higher income, Rockford or Lehigh Acres?
Median household income is $53,328 in Rockford and $62,330 in Lehigh Acres. Median household income is $9,002/year higher in Lehigh Acres.
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 Lehigh Acres?
It depends on your priorities. Rockford has a cost index of 57 with median rent of $954/mo, while Lehigh Acres has a cost index of 95 with rent of $1,496/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Rockford details → View Lehigh Acres details →

More Comparisons

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