Cost of Living: St. Louis, MO vs Rockford, IL (2026)

St. Louis

Missouri
66
VS

Rockford

Illinois
57

St. Louis is 16% more expensive than Rockford.

$978/mo ↑ 3%
Median Rent
$954/mo ↓ 2%
$55,279/yr ↑ 4%
Median Income
$53,328/yr ↓ 4%
$185,100 ↑ 53%
Home Value
$120,900 ↓ 35%
$1,013/mo ↑ 7%
Owner Costs
$947/mo ↓ 7%
293,109
Population
147,649

Tax Comparison

4.95%
Income Tax
4.95%
4.225%
State Sales Tax
6.25%
0.93%
Property Tax
2.07%

Affordability

21.2%
rent-to-income
Affordability
21.5%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing St. Louis, MO and Rockford, IL, the overall cost of living indices are 66 and 57 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is comparable in both cities, with less than $50/month separating them.

Median household income is $1,951/year higher in St. Louis. Home values also differ significantly — the median in St. Louis is $185,100 compared to $120,900 in Rockford.

Frequently Asked Questions

St. Louis vs Rockford — common questions

Is St. Louis or Rockford cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Rockford is cheaper to live in with an index of 57 compared to 66 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between St. Louis and Rockford?
Median rent in St. Louis is $978/month and in Rockford it's $954/month — a difference of $24/month.
Which city has higher income, St. Louis or Rockford?
Median household income is $55,279 in St. Louis and $53,328 in Rockford. Median household income is $1,951/year higher in St. Louis.
How do taxes compare between Missouri and Illinois?
Missouri has 4.95% income tax, 4.225% sales tax, and 0.93% property tax. Illinois has 4.95% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 2.07% property tax.
Should I move to St. Louis or Rockford?
It depends on your priorities. St. Louis has a cost index of 66 with median rent of $978/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.
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More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for St. Louis and Rockford

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