Cost of Living: Rockford, IL vs Odessa, TX (2026)

Rockford

Illinois
57
VS

Odessa

Texas
83

Rockford is 31% cheaper than Odessa.

$954/mo ↓ 28%
Median Rent
$1,322/mo ↑ 39%
$53,328/yr ↓ 27%
Median Income
$73,030/yr ↑ 37%
$120,900 ↓ 42%
Home Value
$208,000 ↑ 72%
$947/mo ↓ 24%
Owner Costs
$1,251/mo ↑ 32%
147,649
Population
114,080

Tax Comparison

4.95%
Income Tax
0%
6.25%
State Sales Tax
6.25%
2.07%
Property Tax
1.6%

Affordability

21.5%
rent-to-income
Affordability
21.7%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Rockford, IL and Odessa, TX, the overall cost of living indices are 57 and 83 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $368/month cheaper in Rockford, saving renters about $4,416/year.

Median household income is $19,702/year higher in Odessa. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Rockford is $120,900 compared to $208,000 in Odessa.

Texas has no state income tax, giving Odessa residents a significant tax advantage over Illinois's 4.95% rate.

Frequently Asked Questions

Rockford vs Odessa — common questions

Is Rockford or Odessa cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Rockford is cheaper to live in with an index of 57 compared to 83 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Rockford and Odessa?
Median rent in Rockford is $954/month and in Odessa it's $1,322/month — a difference of $368/month.
Which city has higher income, Rockford or Odessa?
Median household income is $53,328 in Rockford and $73,030 in Odessa. Median household income is $19,702/year higher in Odessa.
How do taxes compare between Illinois and Texas?
Illinois has 4.95% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 2.07% property tax. Texas has 0% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 1.6% property tax.
Should I move to Rockford or Odessa?
It depends on your priorities. Rockford has a cost index of 57 with median rent of $954/mo, while Odessa has a cost index of 83 with rent of $1,322/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Rockford details → View Odessa details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Rockford and Odessa

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