Cost of Living: Rockford, IL vs Manchester, NH (2026)

Rockford

Illinois
57
VS

Manchester

New Hampshire
106

Rockford is 46% cheaper than Manchester.

$954/mo ↓ 35%
Median Rent
$1,465/mo ↑ 54%
$53,328/yr ↓ 31%
Median Income
$77,415/yr ↑ 45%
$120,900 ↓ 64%
Home Value
$336,300 ↑ 178%
$947/mo ↓ 39%
Owner Costs
$1,548/mo ↑ 63%
147,649
Population
115,415

Tax Comparison

4.95%
Income Tax
0%
6.25%
State Sales Tax
0%
2.07%
Property Tax
1.86%

Affordability

21.5%
rent-to-income
Affordability
22.7%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Rockford, IL and Manchester, NH, the overall cost of living indices are 57 and 106 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $511/month cheaper in Rockford, saving renters about $6,132/year.

Median household income is $24,087/year higher in Manchester. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Rockford is $120,900 compared to $336,300 in Manchester.

New Hampshire has no state income tax, giving Manchester residents a significant tax advantage over Illinois's 4.95% rate.

Frequently Asked Questions

Rockford vs Manchester — common questions

Is Rockford or Manchester cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Rockford is cheaper to live in with an index of 57 compared to 106 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Rockford and Manchester?
Median rent in Rockford is $954/month and in Manchester it's $1,465/month — a difference of $511/month.
Which city has higher income, Rockford or Manchester?
Median household income is $53,328 in Rockford and $77,415 in Manchester. Median household income is $24,087/year higher in Manchester.
How do taxes compare between Illinois and New Hampshire?
Illinois has 4.95% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 2.07% property tax. New Hampshire has 0% income tax, 0% sales tax, and 1.86% property tax.
Should I move to Rockford or Manchester?
It depends on your priorities. Rockford has a cost index of 57 with median rent of $954/mo, while Manchester has a cost index of 106 with rent of $1,465/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Rockford details → View Manchester details →

More Comparisons

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