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

Rockford

Illinois
57
VS

Sugar Land

Texas
135

Rockford is 58% cheaper than Sugar Land.

$954/mo ↓ 51%
Median Rent
$1,939/mo ↑ 103%
$53,328/yr ↓ 61%
Median Income
$137,511/yr ↑ 158%
$120,900 ↓ 70%
Home Value
$406,600 ↑ 236%
$947/mo ↓ 52%
Owner Costs
$1,969/mo ↑ 108%
147,649
Population
109,735

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
16.9%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Rockford, IL and Sugar Land, TX, the overall cost of living indices are 57 and 135 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $985/month cheaper in Rockford, saving renters about $11,820/year.

Median household income is $84,183/year higher in Sugar Land. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Rockford is $120,900 compared to $406,600 in Sugar Land.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Rockford vs Sugar Land — common questions

Is Rockford or Sugar Land cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Rockford is cheaper to live in with an index of 57 compared to 135 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Rockford and Sugar Land?
Median rent in Rockford is $954/month and in Sugar Land it's $1,939/month — a difference of $985/month.
Which city has higher income, Rockford or Sugar Land?
Median household income is $53,328 in Rockford and $137,511 in Sugar Land. Median household income is $84,183/year higher in Sugar Land.
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 Sugar Land?
It depends on your priorities. Rockford has a cost index of 57 with median rent of $954/mo, while Sugar Land has a cost index of 135 with rent of $1,939/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Rockford details → View Sugar Land details →

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