Cost of Living: Rockford, IL vs Lowell, MA (2026)

Rockford

Illinois
57
VS

Lowell

Massachusetts
119

Rockford is 52% cheaper than Lowell.

$954/mo ↓ 40%
Median Rent
$1,603/mo ↑ 68%
$53,328/yr ↓ 30%
Median Income
$76,205/yr ↑ 43%
$120,900 ↓ 69%
Home Value
$395,100 ↑ 227%
$947/mo ↓ 43%
Owner Costs
$1,672/mo ↑ 77%
147,649
Population
114,799

Tax Comparison

4.95%
Income Tax
9.0%
6.25%
State Sales Tax
6.25%
2.07%
Property Tax
1.15%

Affordability

21.5%
rent-to-income
Affordability
25.2%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Rockford, IL and Lowell, MA, the overall cost of living indices are 57 and 119 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $649/month cheaper in Rockford, saving renters about $7,788/year.

Median household income is $22,877/year higher in Lowell. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Rockford is $120,900 compared to $395,100 in Lowell.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Rockford vs Lowell — common questions

Is Rockford or Lowell cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Rockford is cheaper to live in with an index of 57 compared to 119 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Rockford and Lowell?
Median rent in Rockford is $954/month and in Lowell it's $1,603/month — a difference of $649/month.
Which city has higher income, Rockford or Lowell?
Median household income is $53,328 in Rockford and $76,205 in Lowell. Median household income is $22,877/year higher in Lowell.
How do taxes compare between Illinois and Massachusetts?
Illinois has 4.95% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 2.07% property tax. Massachusetts has 9.0% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 1.15% property tax.
Should I move to Rockford or Lowell?
It depends on your priorities. Rockford has a cost index of 57 with median rent of $954/mo, while Lowell has a cost index of 119 with rent of $1,603/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Rockford details → View Lowell details →

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