Cost of Living: Rockford, IL vs Metairie, LA (2026)

Rockford

Illinois
57
VS

Metairie

Louisiana
88

Rockford is 35% cheaper than Metairie.

$954/mo ↓ 18%
Median Rent
$1,159/mo ↑ 21%
$53,328/yr ↓ 27%
Median Income
$73,256/yr ↑ 37%
$120,900 ↓ 61%
Home Value
$308,900 ↑ 156%
$947/mo ↓ 20%
Owner Costs
$1,186/mo ↑ 25%
147,649
Population
138,995

Tax Comparison

4.95%
Income Tax
4.25%
6.25%
State Sales Tax
4.45%
2.07%
Property Tax
0.55%

Affordability

21.5%
rent-to-income
Affordability
19.0%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Rockford, IL and Metairie, LA, the overall cost of living indices are 57 and 88 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $205/month cheaper in Rockford, saving renters about $2,460/year.

Median household income is $19,928/year higher in Metairie. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Rockford is $120,900 compared to $308,900 in Metairie.

Louisiana has a lower income tax rate, making Metairie slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Rockford vs Metairie — common questions

Is Rockford or Metairie cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Rockford is cheaper to live in with an index of 57 compared to 88 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Rockford and Metairie?
Median rent in Rockford is $954/month and in Metairie it's $1,159/month — a difference of $205/month.
Which city has higher income, Rockford or Metairie?
Median household income is $53,328 in Rockford and $73,256 in Metairie. Median household income is $19,928/year higher in Metairie.
How do taxes compare between Illinois and Louisiana?
Illinois has 4.95% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 2.07% property tax. Louisiana has 4.25% income tax, 4.45% sales tax, and 0.55% property tax.
Should I move to Rockford or Metairie?
It depends on your priorities. Rockford has a cost index of 57 with median rent of $954/mo, while Metairie has a cost index of 88 with rent of $1,159/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Rockford details → View Metairie details →

More Comparisons

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