Cost of Living: Rockford, IL vs Thornton, CO (2026)

Rockford

Illinois
57
VS

Thornton

Colorado
138

Rockford is 59% cheaper than Thornton.

$954/mo ↓ 47%
Median Rent
$1,810/mo ↑ 90%
$53,328/yr ↓ 47%
Median Income
$100,985/yr ↑ 89%
$120,900 ↓ 75%
Home Value
$482,200 ↑ 299%
$947/mo ↓ 51%
Owner Costs
$1,914/mo ↑ 102%
147,649
Population
142,878

Tax Comparison

4.95%
Income Tax
4.4%
6.25%
State Sales Tax
2.9%
2.07%
Property Tax
0.51%

Affordability

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

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Rockford, IL and Thornton, CO, the overall cost of living indices are 57 and 138 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $856/month cheaper in Rockford, saving renters about $10,272/year.

Median household income is $47,657/year higher in Thornton. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Rockford is $120,900 compared to $482,200 in Thornton.

Colorado has a lower income tax rate, making Thornton slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Rockford vs Thornton — common questions

Is Rockford or Thornton cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Rockford is cheaper to live in with an index of 57 compared to 138 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Rockford and Thornton?
Median rent in Rockford is $954/month and in Thornton it's $1,810/month — a difference of $856/month.
Which city has higher income, Rockford or Thornton?
Median household income is $53,328 in Rockford and $100,985 in Thornton. Median household income is $47,657/year higher in Thornton.
How do taxes compare between Illinois and Colorado?
Illinois has 4.95% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 2.07% property tax. Colorado has 4.4% income tax, 2.9% sales tax, and 0.51% property tax.
Should I move to Rockford or Thornton?
It depends on your priorities. Rockford has a cost index of 57 with median rent of $954/mo, while Thornton has a cost index of 138 with rent of $1,810/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
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