Cost of Living: Rockford, IL vs Olathe, KS (2026)

Rockford

Illinois
57
VS

Olathe

Kansas
104

Rockford is 45% cheaper than Olathe.

$954/mo ↓ 27%
Median Rent
$1,314/mo ↑ 38%
$53,328/yr ↓ 52%
Median Income
$112,232/yr ↑ 110%
$120,900 ↓ 65%
Home Value
$340,600 ↑ 182%
$947/mo ↓ 43%
Owner Costs
$1,662/mo ↑ 76%
147,649
Population
143,720

Tax Comparison

4.95%
Income Tax
5.7%
6.25%
State Sales Tax
6.5%
2.07%
Property Tax
1.41%

Affordability

21.5%
rent-to-income
Affordability
14.0%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Rockford, IL and Olathe, KS, the overall cost of living indices are 57 and 104 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $360/month cheaper in Rockford, saving renters about $4,320/year.

Median household income is $58,904/year higher in Olathe. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Rockford is $120,900 compared to $340,600 in Olathe.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Rockford vs Olathe — common questions

Is Rockford or Olathe cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Rockford is cheaper to live in with an index of 57 compared to 104 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Rockford and Olathe?
Median rent in Rockford is $954/month and in Olathe it's $1,314/month — a difference of $360/month.
Which city has higher income, Rockford or Olathe?
Median household income is $53,328 in Rockford and $112,232 in Olathe. Median household income is $58,904/year higher in Olathe.
How do taxes compare between Illinois and Kansas?
Illinois has 4.95% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 2.07% property tax. Kansas has 5.7% income tax, 6.5% sales tax, and 1.41% property tax.
Should I move to Rockford or Olathe?
It depends on your priorities. Rockford has a cost index of 57 with median rent of $954/mo, while Olathe has a cost index of 104 with rent of $1,314/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Rockford details → View Olathe details →

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