Cost of Living: Rockford, IL vs Miami Gardens, FL (2026)

Rockford

Illinois
57
VS

Miami Gardens

Florida
115

Rockford is 50% cheaper than Miami Gardens.

$954/mo ↓ 44%
Median Rent
$1,709/mo ↑ 79%
$53,328/yr ↓ 13%
Median Income
$60,979/yr ↑ 14%
$120,900 ↓ 64%
Home Value
$337,200 ↑ 179%
$947/mo ↓ 42%
Owner Costs
$1,640/mo ↑ 73%
147,649
Population
111,264

Tax Comparison

4.95%
Income Tax
0%
6.25%
State Sales Tax
6.0%
2.07%
Property Tax
0.86%

Affordability

21.5%
rent-to-income
Affordability
33.6%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Rockford, IL and Miami Gardens, FL, the overall cost of living indices are 57 and 115 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $755/month cheaper in Rockford, saving renters about $9,060/year.

Median household income is $7,651/year higher in Miami Gardens. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Rockford is $120,900 compared to $337,200 in Miami Gardens.

Florida has no state income tax, giving Miami Gardens residents a significant tax advantage over Illinois's 4.95% rate.

Frequently Asked Questions

Rockford vs Miami Gardens — common questions

Is Rockford or Miami Gardens cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Rockford is cheaper to live in with an index of 57 compared to 115 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Rockford and Miami Gardens?
Median rent in Rockford is $954/month and in Miami Gardens it's $1,709/month — a difference of $755/month.
Which city has higher income, Rockford or Miami Gardens?
Median household income is $53,328 in Rockford and $60,979 in Miami Gardens. Median household income is $7,651/year higher in Miami Gardens.
How do taxes compare between Illinois and Florida?
Illinois has 4.95% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 2.07% property tax. Florida has 0% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 0.86% property tax.
Should I move to Rockford or Miami Gardens?
It depends on your priorities. Rockford has a cost index of 57 with median rent of $954/mo, while Miami Gardens has a cost index of 115 with rent of $1,709/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Rockford details → View Miami Gardens details →

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