Cost of Living: Rockford, IL vs Meridian, ID (2026)

Rockford

Illinois
57
VS

Meridian

Idaho
131

Rockford is 56% cheaper than Meridian.

$954/mo ↓ 44%
Median Rent
$1,714/mo ↑ 80%
$53,328/yr ↓ 46%
Median Income
$98,686/yr ↑ 85%
$120,900 ↓ 75%
Home Value
$485,000 ↑ 301%
$947/mo ↓ 41%
Owner Costs
$1,607/mo ↑ 70%
147,649
Population
124,865

Tax Comparison

4.95%
Income Tax
5.8%
6.25%
State Sales Tax
6.0%
2.07%
Property Tax
0.63%

Affordability

21.5%
rent-to-income
Affordability
20.8%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Rockford, IL and Meridian, ID, the overall cost of living indices are 57 and 131 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $760/month cheaper in Rockford, saving renters about $9,120/year.

Median household income is $45,358/year higher in Meridian. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Rockford is $120,900 compared to $485,000 in Meridian.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Rockford vs Meridian — common questions

Is Rockford or Meridian cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Rockford is cheaper to live in with an index of 57 compared to 131 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Rockford and Meridian?
Median rent in Rockford is $954/month and in Meridian it's $1,714/month — a difference of $760/month.
Which city has higher income, Rockford or Meridian?
Median household income is $53,328 in Rockford and $98,686 in Meridian. Median household income is $45,358/year higher in Meridian.
How do taxes compare between Illinois and Idaho?
Illinois has 4.95% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 2.07% property tax. Idaho has 5.8% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 0.63% property tax.
Should I move to Rockford or Meridian?
It depends on your priorities. Rockford has a cost index of 57 with median rent of $954/mo, while Meridian has a cost index of 131 with rent of $1,714/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Rockford details → View Meridian details →

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