Cost of Living: Rockford, IL vs Palm Bay, FL (2026)

Rockford

Illinois
57
VS

Palm Bay

Florida
91

Rockford is 37% cheaper than Palm Bay.

$954/mo ↓ 36%
Median Rent
$1,487/mo ↑ 56%
$53,328/yr ↓ 21%
Median Income
$67,521/yr ↑ 27%
$120,900 ↓ 51%
Home Value
$248,000 ↑ 105%
$947/mo ↓ 21%
Owner Costs
$1,203/mo ↑ 27%
147,649
Population
125,273

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
26.4%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Rockford, IL and Palm Bay, FL, the overall cost of living indices are 57 and 91 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $533/month cheaper in Rockford, saving renters about $6,396/year.

Median household income is $14,193/year higher in Palm Bay. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Rockford is $120,900 compared to $248,000 in Palm Bay.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Rockford vs Palm Bay — common questions

Is Rockford or Palm Bay 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 Palm Bay?
Median rent in Rockford is $954/month and in Palm Bay it's $1,487/month — a difference of $533/month.
Which city has higher income, Rockford or Palm Bay?
Median household income is $53,328 in Rockford and $67,521 in Palm Bay. Median household income is $14,193/year higher in Palm Bay.
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 Palm Bay?
It depends on your priorities. Rockford has a cost index of 57 with median rent of $954/mo, while Palm Bay has a cost index of 91 with rent of $1,487/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Rockford details → View Palm Bay details →

More Comparisons

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