Cost of Living: Rockford, IL vs Warren, MI (2026)

Rockford

Illinois
57
VS

Warren

Michigan
73

Rockford is 22% cheaper than Warren.

$954/mo ↓ 19%
Median Rent
$1,184/mo ↑ 24%
$53,328/yr ↓ 16%
Median Income
$63,741/yr ↑ 20%
$120,900 ↓ 34%
Home Value
$181,900 ↑ 50%
$947/mo ↓ 14%
Owner Costs
$1,098/mo ↑ 16%
147,649
Population
138,128

Tax Comparison

4.95%
Income Tax
4.25%
6.25%
State Sales Tax
6.0%
2.07%
Property Tax
1.38%

Affordability

21.5%
rent-to-income
Affordability
22.3%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Rockford, IL and Warren, MI, the overall cost of living indices are 57 and 73 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $230/month cheaper in Rockford, saving renters about $2,760/year.

Median household income is $10,413/year higher in Warren. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Rockford is $120,900 compared to $181,900 in Warren.

Michigan has a lower income tax rate, making Warren slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Rockford vs Warren — common questions

Is Rockford or Warren 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 Warren?
Median rent in Rockford is $954/month and in Warren it's $1,184/month — a difference of $230/month.
Which city has higher income, Rockford or Warren?
Median household income is $53,328 in Rockford and $63,741 in Warren. Median household income is $10,413/year higher in Warren.
How do taxes compare between Illinois and Michigan?
Illinois has 4.95% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 2.07% property tax. Michigan has 4.25% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 1.38% property tax.
Should I move to Rockford or Warren?
It depends on your priorities. Rockford has a cost index of 57 with median rent of $954/mo, while Warren has a cost index of 73 with rent of $1,184/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Rockford details → View Warren details →

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