Cost of Living: Rockford, IL vs The Woodlands, TX (2026)

Rockford

Illinois
57
VS

The Woodlands

Texas
139

Rockford is 59% cheaper than The Woodlands.

$954/mo ↓ 47%
Median Rent
$1,792/mo ↑ 88%
$53,328/yr ↓ 62%
Median Income
$141,353/yr ↑ 165%
$120,900 ↓ 75%
Home Value
$479,400 ↑ 297%
$947/mo ↓ 53%
Owner Costs
$2,005/mo ↑ 112%
147,649
Population
116,916

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
15.2%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Rockford, IL and The Woodlands, TX, the overall cost of living indices are 57 and 139 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $838/month cheaper in Rockford, saving renters about $10,056/year.

Median household income is $88,025/year higher in The Woodlands. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Rockford is $120,900 compared to $479,400 in The Woodlands.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Rockford vs The Woodlands — common questions

Is Rockford or The Woodlands cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Rockford is cheaper to live in with an index of 57 compared to 139 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Rockford and The Woodlands?
Median rent in Rockford is $954/month and in The Woodlands it's $1,792/month — a difference of $838/month.
Which city has higher income, Rockford or The Woodlands?
Median household income is $53,328 in Rockford and $141,353 in The Woodlands. Median household income is $88,025/year higher in The Woodlands.
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 The Woodlands?
It depends on your priorities. Rockford has a cost index of 57 with median rent of $954/mo, while The Woodlands has a cost index of 139 with rent of $1,792/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Rockford details → View The Woodlands details →

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