Cost of Living: Rockford, IL vs North Charleston, SC (2026)

Rockford

Illinois
57
VS

North Charleston

South Carolina
91

Rockford is 37% cheaper than North Charleston.

$954/mo ↓ 30%
Median Rent
$1,364/mo ↑ 43%
$53,328/yr ↓ 15%
Median Income
$62,789/yr ↑ 18%
$120,900 ↓ 55%
Home Value
$267,700 ↑ 121%
$947/mo ↓ 28%
Owner Costs
$1,312/mo ↑ 39%
147,649
Population
117,460

Tax Comparison

4.95%
Income Tax
6.4%
6.25%
State Sales Tax
6.0%
2.07%
Property Tax
0.57%

Affordability

21.5%
rent-to-income
Affordability
26.1%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Rockford, IL and North Charleston, SC, the overall cost of living indices are 57 and 91 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $410/month cheaper in Rockford, saving renters about $4,920/year.

Median household income is $9,461/year higher in North Charleston. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Rockford is $120,900 compared to $267,700 in North Charleston.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Rockford vs North Charleston — common questions

Is Rockford or North Charleston cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Rockford is cheaper to live in with an index of 57 compared to 91 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Rockford and North Charleston?
Median rent in Rockford is $954/month and in North Charleston it's $1,364/month — a difference of $410/month.
Which city has higher income, Rockford or North Charleston?
Median household income is $53,328 in Rockford and $62,789 in North Charleston. Median household income is $9,461/year higher in North Charleston.
How do taxes compare between Illinois and South Carolina?
Illinois has 4.95% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 2.07% property tax. South Carolina has 6.4% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 0.57% property tax.
Should I move to Rockford or North Charleston?
It depends on your priorities. Rockford has a cost index of 57 with median rent of $954/mo, while North Charleston has a cost index of 91 with rent of $1,364/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Rockford details → View North Charleston details →

More Comparisons

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