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

Rockford

Illinois
57
VS

Waco

Texas
72

Rockford is 21% cheaper than Waco.

$954/mo ↓ 13%
Median Rent
$1,098/mo ↑ 15%
$53,328/yr ↑ 4%
Median Income
$51,468/yr ↓ 3%
$120,900 ↓ 39%
Home Value
$199,600 ↑ 65%
$947/mo ↓ 13%
Owner Costs
$1,094/mo ↑ 16%
147,649
Population
141,925

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
25.6%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Rockford, IL and Waco, TX, the overall cost of living indices are 57 and 72 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $144/month cheaper in Rockford, saving renters about $1,728/year.

Median household income is $1,860/year higher in Rockford. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Rockford is $120,900 compared to $199,600 in Waco.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Rockford vs Waco — common questions

Is Rockford or Waco cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Rockford is cheaper to live in with an index of 57 compared to 72 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Rockford and Waco?
Median rent in Rockford is $954/month and in Waco it's $1,098/month — a difference of $144/month.
Which city has higher income, Rockford or Waco?
Median household income is $53,328 in Rockford and $51,468 in Waco. Median household income is $1,860/year higher in Rockford.
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 Waco?
It depends on your priorities. Rockford has a cost index of 57 with median rent of $954/mo, while Waco has a cost index of 72 with rent of $1,098/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Rockford details → View Waco details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Rockford and Waco

Rockford vs. Bridgeport Rockford vs. Savannah Rockford vs. Pomona Rockford vs. Denton Rockford vs. Mesquite Rockford vs. Syracuse Waco vs. Visalia Waco vs. Fullerton Waco vs. Thornton Waco vs. Metairie Waco vs. Torrance Waco vs. Orange