Cost of Living: Salt Lake City, UT vs Rockford, IL (2026)

Salt Lake City

Utah
117
VS

Rockford

Illinois
57

Salt Lake City is 105% more expensive than Rockford.

$1,343/mo ↑ 41%
Median Rent
$954/mo ↓ 29%
$74,925/yr ↑ 40%
Median Income
$53,328/yr ↓ 29%
$495,700 ↑ 310%
Home Value
$120,900 ↓ 76%
$1,394/mo ↑ 47%
Owner Costs
$947/mo ↓ 32%
203,888
Population
147,649

Tax Comparison

4.65%
Income Tax
4.95%
6.1%
State Sales Tax
6.25%
0.58%
Property Tax
2.07%

Affordability

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

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Salt Lake City, UT and Rockford, IL, the overall cost of living indices are 117 and 57 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $389/month cheaper in Rockford, saving renters about $4,668/year.

Median household income is $21,597/year higher in Salt Lake City. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Salt Lake City is $495,700 compared to $120,900 in Rockford.

Utah has a lower income tax rate, making Salt Lake City slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Salt Lake City vs Rockford — common questions

Is Salt Lake City or Rockford cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Rockford is cheaper to live in with an index of 57 compared to 117 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Salt Lake City and Rockford?
Median rent in Salt Lake City is $1,343/month and in Rockford it's $954/month — a difference of $389/month.
Which city has higher income, Salt Lake City or Rockford?
Median household income is $74,925 in Salt Lake City and $53,328 in Rockford. Median household income is $21,597/year higher in Salt Lake City.
How do taxes compare between Utah and Illinois?
Utah has 4.65% income tax, 6.1% sales tax, and 0.58% property tax. Illinois has 4.95% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 2.07% property tax.
Should I move to Salt Lake City or Rockford?
It depends on your priorities. Salt Lake City has a cost index of 117 with median rent of $1,343/mo, while Rockford has a cost index of 57 with rent of $954/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Salt Lake City details → View Rockford details →

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