Cost of Living: Seattle, WA vs Rockford, IL (2026)

Seattle

Washington
196
VS

Rockford

Illinois
57

Seattle is 244% more expensive than Rockford.

$1,998/mo ↑ 109%
Median Rent
$954/mo ↓ 52%
$121,984/yr ↑ 129%
Median Income
$53,328/yr ↓ 56%
$912,100 ↑ 654%
Home Value
$120,900 ↓ 87%
$2,220/mo ↑ 134%
Owner Costs
$947/mo ↓ 57%
741,440
Population
147,649

Tax Comparison

0%
Income Tax
4.95%
6.5%
State Sales Tax
6.25%
0.92%
Property Tax
2.07%

Affordability

19.7%
rent-to-income
Affordability
21.5%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Seattle, WA and Rockford, IL, the overall cost of living indices are 196 and 57 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $1,044/month cheaper in Rockford, saving renters about $12,528/year.

Median household income is $68,656/year higher in Seattle. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Seattle is $912,100 compared to $120,900 in Rockford.

Washington has no state income tax, giving Seattle residents a significant tax advantage over Illinois's 4.95% rate.

Frequently Asked Questions

Seattle vs Rockford — common questions

Is Seattle or Rockford cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Rockford is cheaper to live in with an index of 57 compared to 196 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Seattle and Rockford?
Median rent in Seattle is $1,998/month and in Rockford it's $954/month — a difference of $1,044/month.
Which city has higher income, Seattle or Rockford?
Median household income is $121,984 in Seattle and $53,328 in Rockford. Median household income is $68,656/year higher in Seattle.
How do taxes compare between Washington and Illinois?
Washington has 0% income tax, 6.5% sales tax, and 0.92% property tax. Illinois has 4.95% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 2.07% property tax.
Should I move to Seattle or Rockford?
It depends on your priorities. Seattle has a cost index of 196 with median rent of $1,998/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 Seattle details → View Rockford details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Seattle and Rockford

Seattle vs. San Francisco Seattle vs. Denver Seattle vs. Indianapolis Seattle vs. Oklahoma City Seattle vs. Charlotte Seattle vs. Nashville Rockford vs. Bridgeport Rockford vs. Savannah Rockford vs. Pomona Rockford vs. Denton Rockford vs. Mesquite Rockford vs. Syracuse