Cost of Living: Scottsdale, AZ vs Rockford, IL (2026)

Scottsdale

Arizona
165
VS

Rockford

Illinois
57

Scottsdale is 189% more expensive than Rockford.

$1,910/mo ↑ 100%
Median Rent
$954/mo ↓ 50%
$107,372/yr ↑ 101%
Median Income
$53,328/yr ↓ 50%
$709,900 ↑ 487%
Home Value
$120,900 ↓ 83%
$1,824/mo ↑ 93%
Owner Costs
$947/mo ↓ 48%
242,169
Population
147,649

Tax Comparison

2.5%
Income Tax
4.95%
5.6%
State Sales Tax
6.25%
0.62%
Property Tax
2.07%

Affordability

21.3%
rent-to-income
Affordability
21.5%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Scottsdale, AZ and Rockford, IL, the overall cost of living indices are 165 and 57 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $956/month cheaper in Rockford, saving renters about $11,472/year.

Median household income is $54,044/year higher in Scottsdale. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Scottsdale is $709,900 compared to $120,900 in Rockford.

Arizona has a lower income tax rate, making Scottsdale slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Scottsdale vs Rockford — common questions

Is Scottsdale or Rockford cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Rockford is cheaper to live in with an index of 57 compared to 165 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Scottsdale and Rockford?
Median rent in Scottsdale is $1,910/month and in Rockford it's $954/month — a difference of $956/month.
Which city has higher income, Scottsdale or Rockford?
Median household income is $107,372 in Scottsdale and $53,328 in Rockford. Median household income is $54,044/year higher in Scottsdale.
How do taxes compare between Arizona and Illinois?
Arizona has 2.5% income tax, 5.6% sales tax, and 0.62% property tax. Illinois has 4.95% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 2.07% property tax.
Should I move to Scottsdale or Rockford?
It depends on your priorities. Scottsdale has a cost index of 165 with median rent of $1,910/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 Scottsdale details → View Rockford details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Scottsdale and Rockford

Scottsdale vs. Garland Scottsdale vs. Boise Scottsdale vs. Glendale Scottsdale vs. Arlington Scottsdale vs. Winston-Salem Scottsdale vs. Norfolk Rockford vs. Bridgeport Rockford vs. Savannah Rockford vs. Pomona Rockford vs. Denton Rockford vs. Mesquite Rockford vs. Syracuse