Cost of Living: Rockford, IL vs Sparks, NV (2026)

Rockford

Illinois
57
VS

Sparks

Nevada
126

Rockford is 55% cheaper than Sparks.

$954/mo ↓ 42%
Median Rent
$1,651/mo ↑ 73%
$53,328/yr ↓ 39%
Median Income
$86,979/yr ↑ 63%
$120,900 ↓ 73%
Home Value
$455,900 ↑ 277%
$947/mo ↓ 41%
Owner Costs
$1,610/mo ↑ 70%
147,649
Population
109,106

Tax Comparison

4.95%
Income Tax
0%
6.25%
State Sales Tax
6.85%
2.07%
Property Tax
0.53%

Affordability

21.5%
rent-to-income
Affordability
22.8%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Rockford, IL and Sparks, NV, the overall cost of living indices are 57 and 126 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $697/month cheaper in Rockford, saving renters about $8,364/year.

Median household income is $33,651/year higher in Sparks. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Rockford is $120,900 compared to $455,900 in Sparks.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Rockford vs Sparks — common questions

Is Rockford or Sparks cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Rockford is cheaper to live in with an index of 57 compared to 126 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Rockford and Sparks?
Median rent in Rockford is $954/month and in Sparks it's $1,651/month — a difference of $697/month.
Which city has higher income, Rockford or Sparks?
Median household income is $53,328 in Rockford and $86,979 in Sparks. Median household income is $33,651/year higher in Sparks.
How do taxes compare between Illinois and Nevada?
Illinois has 4.95% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 2.07% property tax. Nevada has 0% income tax, 6.85% sales tax, and 0.53% property tax.
Should I move to Rockford or Sparks?
It depends on your priorities. Rockford has a cost index of 57 with median rent of $954/mo, while Sparks has a cost index of 126 with rent of $1,651/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Rockford details → View Sparks details →

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