Cost of Living: Rockford, IL vs McAllen, TX (2026)

Rockford

Illinois
57
VS

McAllen

Texas
66

Rockford is 14% cheaper than McAllen.

$954/mo ↓ 6%
Median Rent
$1,017/mo ↑ 7%
$53,328/yr ↓ 11%
Median Income
$60,165/yr ↑ 13%
$120,900 ↓ 30%
Home Value
$173,800 ↑ 44%
$947/mo ↓ 5%
Owner Costs
$996/mo ↑ 5%
147,649
Population
143,789

Tax Comparison

4.95%
Income Tax
0%
6.25%
State Sales Tax
6.25%
2.07%
Property Tax
1.6%

Affordability

21.5%
rent-to-income
Affordability
20.3%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Rockford, IL and McAllen, TX, the overall cost of living indices are 57 and 66 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $63/month cheaper in Rockford, saving renters about $756/year.

Median household income is $6,837/year higher in McAllen. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Rockford is $120,900 compared to $173,800 in McAllen.

Texas has no state income tax, giving McAllen residents a significant tax advantage over Illinois's 4.95% rate.

Frequently Asked Questions

Rockford vs McAllen — common questions

Is Rockford or McAllen cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Rockford is cheaper to live in with an index of 57 compared to 66 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Rockford and McAllen?
Median rent in Rockford is $954/month and in McAllen it's $1,017/month — a difference of $63/month.
Which city has higher income, Rockford or McAllen?
Median household income is $53,328 in Rockford and $60,165 in McAllen. Median household income is $6,837/year higher in McAllen.
How do taxes compare between Illinois and Texas?
Illinois has 4.95% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 2.07% property tax. Texas has 0% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 1.6% property tax.
Should I move to Rockford or McAllen?
It depends on your priorities. Rockford has a cost index of 57 with median rent of $954/mo, while McAllen has a cost index of 66 with rent of $1,017/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Rockford details → View McAllen details →

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