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

Rockford

Illinois
57
VS

Tyler

Texas
79

Rockford is 28% cheaper than Tyler.

$954/mo ↓ 20%
Median Rent
$1,199/mo ↑ 26%
$53,328/yr ↓ 19%
Median Income
$65,527/yr ↑ 23%
$120,900 ↓ 44%
Home Value
$216,400 ↑ 79%
$947/mo ↓ 19%
Owner Costs
$1,170/mo ↑ 24%
147,649
Population
107,718

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
22.0%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Rockford, IL and Tyler, TX, the overall cost of living indices are 57 and 79 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $245/month cheaper in Rockford, saving renters about $2,940/year.

Median household income is $12,199/year higher in Tyler. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Rockford is $120,900 compared to $216,400 in Tyler.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Rockford vs Tyler — common questions

Is Rockford or Tyler cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Rockford is cheaper to live in with an index of 57 compared to 79 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Rockford and Tyler?
Median rent in Rockford is $954/month and in Tyler it's $1,199/month — a difference of $245/month.
Which city has higher income, Rockford or Tyler?
Median household income is $53,328 in Rockford and $65,527 in Tyler. Median household income is $12,199/year higher in Tyler.
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 Tyler?
It depends on your priorities. Rockford has a cost index of 57 with median rent of $954/mo, while Tyler has a cost index of 79 with rent of $1,199/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Rockford details → View Tyler details →

More Comparisons

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