Cost of Living: Rockford, IL vs Wilmington, NC (2026)

Rockford

Illinois
57
VS

Wilmington

North Carolina
100

Rockford is 43% cheaper than Wilmington.

$954/mo ↓ 27%
Median Rent
$1,311/mo ↑ 37%
$53,328/yr ↓ 17%
Median Income
$63,900/yr ↑ 20%
$120,900 ↓ 65%
Home Value
$350,300 ↑ 190%
$947/mo ↓ 31%
Owner Costs
$1,371/mo ↑ 45%
147,649
Population
118,578

Tax Comparison

4.95%
Income Tax
4.5%
6.25%
State Sales Tax
4.75%
2.07%
Property Tax
0.8%

Affordability

21.5%
rent-to-income
Affordability
24.6%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Rockford, IL and Wilmington, NC, the overall cost of living indices are 57 and 100 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $357/month cheaper in Rockford, saving renters about $4,284/year.

Median household income is $10,572/year higher in Wilmington. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Rockford is $120,900 compared to $350,300 in Wilmington.

North Carolina has a lower income tax rate, making Wilmington slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Rockford vs Wilmington — common questions

Is Rockford or Wilmington cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Rockford is cheaper to live in with an index of 57 compared to 100 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Rockford and Wilmington?
Median rent in Rockford is $954/month and in Wilmington it's $1,311/month — a difference of $357/month.
Which city has higher income, Rockford or Wilmington?
Median household income is $53,328 in Rockford and $63,900 in Wilmington. Median household income is $10,572/year higher in Wilmington.
How do taxes compare between Illinois and North Carolina?
Illinois has 4.95% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 2.07% property tax. North Carolina has 4.5% income tax, 4.75% sales tax, and 0.8% property tax.
Should I move to Rockford or Wilmington?
It depends on your priorities. Rockford has a cost index of 57 with median rent of $954/mo, while Wilmington has a cost index of 100 with rent of $1,311/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Rockford details → View Wilmington details →

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