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

Rockford

Illinois
57
VS

Round Rock

Texas
122

Rockford is 53% cheaper than Round Rock.

$954/mo ↓ 44%
Median Rent
$1,713/mo ↑ 80%
$53,328/yr ↓ 45%
Median Income
$97,187/yr ↑ 82%
$120,900 ↓ 68%
Home Value
$383,700 ↑ 217%
$947/mo ↓ 47%
Owner Costs
$1,781/mo ↑ 88%
147,649
Population
124,288

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
21.2%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Rockford, IL and Round Rock, TX, the overall cost of living indices are 57 and 122 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $759/month cheaper in Rockford, saving renters about $9,108/year.

Median household income is $43,859/year higher in Round Rock. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Rockford is $120,900 compared to $383,700 in Round Rock.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Rockford vs Round Rock — common questions

Is Rockford or Round Rock cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Rockford is cheaper to live in with an index of 57 compared to 122 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Rockford and Round Rock?
Median rent in Rockford is $954/month and in Round Rock it's $1,713/month — a difference of $759/month.
Which city has higher income, Rockford or Round Rock?
Median household income is $53,328 in Rockford and $97,187 in Round Rock. Median household income is $43,859/year higher in Round Rock.
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 Round Rock?
It depends on your priorities. Rockford has a cost index of 57 with median rent of $954/mo, while Round Rock has a cost index of 122 with rent of $1,713/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
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