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

Spokane

Washington
90
VS

Rockford

Illinois
57

Spokane is 58% more expensive than Rockford.

$1,141/mo ↑ 20%
Median Rent
$954/mo ↓ 16%
$65,745/yr ↑ 23%
Median Income
$53,328/yr ↓ 19%
$326,200 ↑ 170%
Home Value
$120,900 ↓ 63%
$1,213/mo ↑ 28%
Owner Costs
$947/mo ↓ 22%
229,228
Population
147,649

Tax Comparison

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

Affordability

20.8%
rent-to-income
Affordability
21.5%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Spokane, WA and Rockford, IL, the overall cost of living indices are 90 and 57 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $187/month cheaper in Rockford, saving renters about $2,244/year.

Median household income is $12,417/year higher in Spokane. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Spokane is $326,200 compared to $120,900 in Rockford.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Spokane vs Rockford — common questions

Is Spokane or Rockford cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Rockford is cheaper to live in with an index of 57 compared to 90 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Spokane and Rockford?
Median rent in Spokane is $1,141/month and in Rockford it's $954/month — a difference of $187/month.
Which city has higher income, Spokane or Rockford?
Median household income is $65,745 in Spokane and $53,328 in Rockford. Median household income is $12,417/year higher in Spokane.
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 Spokane or Rockford?
It depends on your priorities. Spokane has a cost index of 90 with median rent of $1,141/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 Spokane details → View Rockford details →

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