Cost of Living: Springfield, MA vs Rockford, IL (2026)

Springfield

Massachusetts
79
VS

Rockford

Illinois
57

Springfield is 39% more expensive than Rockford.

$1,114/mo ↑ 17%
Median Rent
$954/mo ↓ 14%
$51,339/yr ↓ 4%
Median Income
$53,328/yr ↑ 4%
$222,700 ↑ 84%
Home Value
$120,900 ↓ 46%
$1,276/mo ↑ 35%
Owner Costs
$947/mo ↓ 26%
154,751
Population
147,649

Tax Comparison

9.0%
Income Tax
4.95%
6.25%
State Sales Tax
6.25%
1.15%
Property Tax
2.07%

Affordability

26.0%
rent-to-income
Affordability
21.5%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Springfield, MA and Rockford, IL, the overall cost of living indices are 79 and 57 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $160/month cheaper in Rockford, saving renters about $1,920/year.

Median household income is $1,989/year higher in Rockford. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Springfield is $222,700 compared to $120,900 in Rockford.

Illinois has a lower income tax rate, making Rockford slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Springfield vs Rockford — common questions

Is Springfield or Rockford cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Rockford is cheaper to live in with an index of 57 compared to 79 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Springfield and Rockford?
Median rent in Springfield is $1,114/month and in Rockford it's $954/month — a difference of $160/month.
Which city has higher income, Springfield or Rockford?
Median household income is $51,339 in Springfield and $53,328 in Rockford. Median household income is $1,989/year higher in Rockford.
How do taxes compare between Massachusetts and Illinois?
Massachusetts has 9.0% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 1.15% property tax. Illinois has 4.95% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 2.07% property tax.
Should I move to Springfield or Rockford?
It depends on your priorities. Springfield has a cost index of 79 with median rent of $1,114/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 Springfield details → View Rockford details →

More Comparisons

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