Cost of Living: Rockford, IL vs Tuscaloosa, AL (2026)

Rockford

Illinois
57
VS

Tuscaloosa

Alabama
73

Rockford is 22% cheaper than Tuscaloosa.

$954/mo ↓ 5%
Median Rent
$1,005/mo ↑ 5%
$53,328/yr ↑ 10%
Median Income
$48,536/yr ↓ 9%
$120,900 ↓ 49%
Home Value
$236,600 ↑ 96%
$947/mo ↓ 9%
Owner Costs
$1,038/mo ↑ 10%
147,649
Population
107,699

Tax Comparison

4.95%
Income Tax
5.0%
6.25%
State Sales Tax
4.0%
2.07%
Property Tax
0.41%

Affordability

21.5%
rent-to-income
Affordability
24.8%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Rockford, IL and Tuscaloosa, AL, the overall cost of living indices are 57 and 73 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $51/month cheaper in Rockford, saving renters about $612/year.

Median household income is $4,792/year higher in Rockford. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Rockford is $120,900 compared to $236,600 in Tuscaloosa.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Rockford vs Tuscaloosa — common questions

Is Rockford or Tuscaloosa cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Rockford is cheaper to live in with an index of 57 compared to 73 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Rockford and Tuscaloosa?
Median rent in Rockford is $954/month and in Tuscaloosa it's $1,005/month — a difference of $51/month.
Which city has higher income, Rockford or Tuscaloosa?
Median household income is $53,328 in Rockford and $48,536 in Tuscaloosa. Median household income is $4,792/year higher in Rockford.
How do taxes compare between Illinois and Alabama?
Illinois has 4.95% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 2.07% property tax. Alabama has 5.0% income tax, 4.0% sales tax, and 0.41% property tax.
Should I move to Rockford or Tuscaloosa?
It depends on your priorities. Rockford has a cost index of 57 with median rent of $954/mo, while Tuscaloosa has a cost index of 73 with rent of $1,005/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Rockford details → View Tuscaloosa details →

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