Cost of Living: Rockford, IL vs New Haven, CT (2026)

Rockford

Illinois
57
VS

New Haven

Connecticut
95

Rockford is 40% cheaper than New Haven.

$954/mo ↓ 34%
Median Rent
$1,442/mo ↑ 51%
$53,328/yr ≈ Same
Median Income
$53,771/yr ≈ Same
$120,900 ↓ 51%
Home Value
$249,000 ↑ 106%
$947/mo ↓ 38%
Owner Costs
$1,520/mo ↑ 61%
147,649
Population
132,893

Tax Comparison

4.95%
Income Tax
6.99%
6.25%
State Sales Tax
6.35%
2.07%
Property Tax
2.15%

Affordability

21.5%
rent-to-income
Affordability
32.2%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Rockford, IL and New Haven, CT, the overall cost of living indices are 57 and 95 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $488/month cheaper in Rockford, saving renters about $5,856/year.

Median household income is $443/year higher in New Haven. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Rockford is $120,900 compared to $249,000 in New Haven.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Rockford vs New Haven — common questions

Is Rockford or New Haven cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Rockford is cheaper to live in with an index of 57 compared to 95 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Rockford and New Haven?
Median rent in Rockford is $954/month and in New Haven it's $1,442/month — a difference of $488/month.
Which city has higher income, Rockford or New Haven?
Median household income is $53,328 in Rockford and $53,771 in New Haven. Median household income is $443/year higher in New Haven.
How do taxes compare between Illinois and Connecticut?
Illinois has 4.95% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 2.07% property tax. Connecticut has 6.99% income tax, 6.35% sales tax, and 2.15% property tax.
Should I move to Rockford or New Haven?
It depends on your priorities. Rockford has a cost index of 57 with median rent of $954/mo, while New Haven has a cost index of 95 with rent of $1,442/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Rockford details → View New Haven details →

More Comparisons

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