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

Rockford

Illinois
57
VS

Richardson

Texas
128

Rockford is 55% cheaper than Richardson.

$954/mo ↓ 48%
Median Rent
$1,825/mo ↑ 91%
$53,328/yr ↓ 45%
Median Income
$96,257/yr ↑ 80%
$120,900 ↓ 70%
Home Value
$405,600 ↑ 235%
$947/mo ↓ 47%
Owner Costs
$1,796/mo ↑ 90%
147,649
Population
118,269

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
22.8%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Rockford, IL and Richardson, TX, the overall cost of living indices are 57 and 128 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $871/month cheaper in Rockford, saving renters about $10,452/year.

Median household income is $42,929/year higher in Richardson. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Rockford is $120,900 compared to $405,600 in Richardson.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Rockford vs Richardson — common questions

Is Rockford or Richardson cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Rockford is cheaper to live in with an index of 57 compared to 128 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Rockford and Richardson?
Median rent in Rockford is $954/month and in Richardson it's $1,825/month — a difference of $871/month.
Which city has higher income, Rockford or Richardson?
Median household income is $53,328 in Rockford and $96,257 in Richardson. Median household income is $42,929/year higher in Richardson.
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 Richardson?
It depends on your priorities. Rockford has a cost index of 57 with median rent of $954/mo, while Richardson has a cost index of 128 with rent of $1,825/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
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More Comparisons

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