Cost of Living: Rockford, IL vs Topeka, KS (2026)

Rockford

Illinois
57
VS

Topeka

Kansas
58

Rockford and Topeka have a similar cost of living.

$954/mo ≈ Same
Median Rent
$947/mo ≈ Same
$53,328/yr ↓ 5%
Median Income
$55,902/yr ↑ 5%
$120,900 ↓ 7%
Home Value
$130,600 ↑ 8%
$947/mo ↑ 2%
Owner Costs
$930/mo ↓ 2%
147,649
Population
126,103

Tax Comparison

4.95%
Income Tax
5.7%
6.25%
State Sales Tax
6.5%
2.07%
Property Tax
1.41%

Affordability

21.5%
rent-to-income
Affordability
20.3%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Rockford, IL and Topeka, KS, the overall cost of living indices are 57 and 58 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is comparable in both cities, with less than $50/month separating them.

Median household income is $2,574/year higher in Topeka. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Rockford is $120,900 compared to $130,600 in Topeka.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Rockford vs Topeka — common questions

Is Rockford or Topeka cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Rockford is cheaper to live in with an index of 57 compared to 58 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Rockford and Topeka?
Median rent in Rockford is $954/month and in Topeka it's $947/month — a difference of $7/month.
Which city has higher income, Rockford or Topeka?
Median household income is $53,328 in Rockford and $55,902 in Topeka. Median household income is $2,574/year higher in Topeka.
How do taxes compare between Illinois and Kansas?
Illinois has 4.95% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 2.07% property tax. Kansas has 5.7% income tax, 6.5% sales tax, and 1.41% property tax.
Should I move to Rockford or Topeka?
It depends on your priorities. Rockford has a cost index of 57 with median rent of $954/mo, while Topeka has a cost index of 58 with rent of $947/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Rockford details → View Topeka details →

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