Cost of Living: Rockford, IL vs Stamford, CT (2026)

Rockford

Illinois
57
VS

Stamford

Connecticut
172

Rockford is 67% cheaper than Stamford.

$954/mo ↓ 57%
Median Rent
$2,207/mo ↑ 131%
$53,328/yr ↓ 50%
Median Income
$107,474/yr ↑ 102%
$120,900 ↓ 80%
Home Value
$614,300 ↑ 408%
$947/mo ↓ 60%
Owner Costs
$2,358/mo ↑ 149%
147,649
Population
135,806

Tax Comparison

4.95%
Income Tax
6.99%
6.25%
State Sales Tax
6.35%
2.07%
Property Tax
2.15%

Affordability

21.5%
rent-to-income
Affordability
24.6%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Rockford, IL and Stamford, CT, the overall cost of living indices are 57 and 172 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $1,253/month cheaper in Rockford, saving renters about $15,036/year.

Median household income is $54,146/year higher in Stamford. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Rockford is $120,900 compared to $614,300 in Stamford.

Illinois has a lower income tax rate, making Rockford slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Rockford vs Stamford — common questions

Is Rockford or Stamford cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Rockford is cheaper to live in with an index of 57 compared to 172 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Rockford and Stamford?
Median rent in Rockford is $954/month and in Stamford it's $2,207/month — a difference of $1,253/month.
Which city has higher income, Rockford or Stamford?
Median household income is $53,328 in Rockford and $107,474 in Stamford. Median household income is $54,146/year higher in Stamford.
How do taxes compare between Illinois and Connecticut?
Illinois has 4.95% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 2.07% property tax. Connecticut has 6.99% income tax, 6.35% sales tax, and 2.15% property tax.
Should I move to Rockford or Stamford?
It depends on your priorities. Rockford has a cost index of 57 with median rent of $954/mo, while Stamford has a cost index of 172 with rent of $2,207/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Rockford details → View Stamford details →

More Comparisons

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