Cost of Living: Rockford, IL vs Springfield, IL (2026)

Rockford

Illinois
57
VS

Springfield

Illinois
61

Rockford is 7% cheaper than Springfield.

$954/mo ≈ Same
Median Rent
$945/mo ≈ Same
$53,328/yr ↓ 19%
Median Income
$65,537/yr ↑ 23%
$120,900 ↓ 22%
Home Value
$155,200 ↑ 28%
$947/mo ↓ 3%
Owner Costs
$974/mo ↑ 3%
147,649
Population
113,714

Tax Comparison

4.95%
Income Tax
4.95%
6.25%
State Sales Tax
6.25%
2.07%
Property Tax
2.07%

Affordability

21.5%
rent-to-income
Affordability
17.3%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Rockford, IL and Springfield, IL, the overall cost of living indices are 57 and 61 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is comparable in both cities, with less than $50/month separating them.

Median household income is $12,209/year higher in Springfield. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Rockford is $120,900 compared to $155,200 in Springfield.

Both cities share the same state tax structure since they are in Illinois.

Frequently Asked Questions

Rockford vs Springfield — common questions

Is Rockford or Springfield cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Rockford is cheaper to live in with an index of 57 compared to 61 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Rockford and Springfield?
Median rent in Rockford is $954/month and in Springfield it's $945/month — a difference of $9/month.
Which city has higher income, Rockford or Springfield?
Median household income is $53,328 in Rockford and $65,537 in Springfield. Median household income is $12,209/year higher in Springfield.
How do taxes compare between Illinois and Illinois?
Both cities are in Illinois and share the same state tax rates: 4.95% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 2.07% property tax.
Should I move to Rockford or Springfield?
It depends on your priorities. Rockford has a cost index of 57 with median rent of $954/mo, while Springfield has a cost index of 61 with rent of $945/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Rockford details → View Springfield details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Rockford and Springfield

Rockford vs. Bridgeport Rockford vs. Savannah Rockford vs. Pomona Rockford vs. Denton Rockford vs. Mesquite Rockford vs. Syracuse Springfield vs. Odessa Springfield vs. Beaumont Springfield vs. Elgin Springfield vs. Gresham Springfield vs. Provo Springfield vs. Las Cruces