Cost of Living: Rockford, IL vs West Palm Beach, FL (2026)

Rockford

Illinois
57
VS

West Palm Beach

Florida
119

Rockford is 52% cheaper than West Palm Beach.

$954/mo ↓ 44%
Median Rent
$1,709/mo ↑ 79%
$53,328/yr ↓ 23%
Median Income
$69,261/yr ↑ 30%
$120,900 ↓ 67%
Home Value
$369,800 ↑ 206%
$947/mo ↓ 43%
Owner Costs
$1,667/mo ↑ 76%
147,649
Population
119,508

Tax Comparison

4.95%
Income Tax
0%
6.25%
State Sales Tax
6.0%
2.07%
Property Tax
0.86%

Affordability

21.5%
rent-to-income
Affordability
29.6%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Rockford, IL and West Palm Beach, FL, the overall cost of living indices are 57 and 119 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $755/month cheaper in Rockford, saving renters about $9,060/year.

Median household income is $15,933/year higher in West Palm Beach. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Rockford is $120,900 compared to $369,800 in West Palm Beach.

Florida has no state income tax, giving West Palm Beach residents a significant tax advantage over Illinois's 4.95% rate.

Frequently Asked Questions

Rockford vs West Palm Beach — common questions

Is Rockford or West Palm Beach cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Rockford is cheaper to live in with an index of 57 compared to 119 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Rockford and West Palm Beach?
Median rent in Rockford is $954/month and in West Palm Beach it's $1,709/month — a difference of $755/month.
Which city has higher income, Rockford or West Palm Beach?
Median household income is $53,328 in Rockford and $69,261 in West Palm Beach. Median household income is $15,933/year higher in West Palm Beach.
How do taxes compare between Illinois and Florida?
Illinois has 4.95% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 2.07% property tax. Florida has 0% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 0.86% property tax.
Should I move to Rockford or West Palm Beach?
It depends on your priorities. Rockford has a cost index of 57 with median rent of $954/mo, while West Palm Beach has a cost index of 119 with rent of $1,709/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Rockford details → View West Palm Beach details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Rockford and West Palm Beach

Rockford vs. Bridgeport Rockford vs. Savannah Rockford vs. Pomona Rockford vs. Denton Rockford vs. Mesquite Rockford vs. Syracuse West Palm Beach vs. Hartford West Palm Beach vs. Spring Hill West Palm Beach vs. Fairfield West Palm Beach vs. Wilmington West Palm Beach vs. Berkeley West Palm Beach vs. Billings