Cost of Living: Rockford, IL vs Provo, UT (2026)

Rockford

Illinois
57
VS

Provo

Utah
102

Rockford is 44% cheaper than Provo.

$954/mo ↓ 17%
Median Rent
$1,152/mo ↑ 21%
$53,328/yr ↓ 15%
Median Income
$62,800/yr ↑ 18%
$120,900 ↓ 72%
Home Value
$437,100 ↑ 262%
$947/mo ↓ 22%
Owner Costs
$1,220/mo ↑ 29%
147,649
Population
114,303

Tax Comparison

4.95%
Income Tax
4.65%
6.25%
State Sales Tax
6.1%
2.07%
Property Tax
0.58%

Affordability

21.5%
rent-to-income
Affordability
22.0%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Rockford, IL and Provo, UT, the overall cost of living indices are 57 and 102 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $198/month cheaper in Rockford, saving renters about $2,376/year.

Median household income is $9,472/year higher in Provo. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Rockford is $120,900 compared to $437,100 in Provo.

Utah has a lower income tax rate, making Provo slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Rockford vs Provo — common questions

Is Rockford or Provo cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Rockford is cheaper to live in with an index of 57 compared to 102 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Rockford and Provo?
Median rent in Rockford is $954/month and in Provo it's $1,152/month — a difference of $198/month.
Which city has higher income, Rockford or Provo?
Median household income is $53,328 in Rockford and $62,800 in Provo. Median household income is $9,472/year higher in Provo.
How do taxes compare between Illinois and Utah?
Illinois has 4.95% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 2.07% property tax. Utah has 4.65% income tax, 6.1% sales tax, and 0.58% property tax.
Should I move to Rockford or Provo?
It depends on your priorities. Rockford has a cost index of 57 with median rent of $954/mo, while Provo has a cost index of 102 with rent of $1,152/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Rockford details → View Provo details →

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