Cost of Living: St. Paul, MN vs Rockford, IL (2026)

St. Paul

Minnesota
91
VS

Rockford

Illinois
57

St. Paul is 60% more expensive than Rockford.

$1,248/mo ↑ 31%
Median Rent
$954/mo ↓ 24%
$73,055/yr ↑ 37%
Median Income
$53,328/yr ↓ 27%
$280,300 ↑ 132%
Home Value
$120,900 ↓ 57%
$1,390/mo ↑ 47%
Owner Costs
$947/mo ↓ 32%
307,762
Population
147,649

Tax Comparison

9.85%
Income Tax
4.95%
6.875%
State Sales Tax
6.25%
1.11%
Property Tax
2.07%

Affordability

20.5%
rent-to-income
Affordability
21.5%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing St. Paul, MN and Rockford, IL, the overall cost of living indices are 91 and 57 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $294/month cheaper in Rockford, saving renters about $3,528/year.

Median household income is $19,727/year higher in St. Paul. Home values also differ significantly — the median in St. Paul is $280,300 compared to $120,900 in Rockford.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

St. Paul vs Rockford — common questions

Is St. Paul or Rockford cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Rockford is cheaper to live in with an index of 57 compared to 91 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between St. Paul and Rockford?
Median rent in St. Paul is $1,248/month and in Rockford it's $954/month — a difference of $294/month.
Which city has higher income, St. Paul or Rockford?
Median household income is $73,055 in St. Paul and $53,328 in Rockford. Median household income is $19,727/year higher in St. Paul.
How do taxes compare between Minnesota and Illinois?
Minnesota has 9.85% income tax, 6.875% sales tax, and 1.11% property tax. Illinois has 4.95% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 2.07% property tax.
Should I move to St. Paul or Rockford?
It depends on your priorities. St. Paul has a cost index of 91 with median rent of $1,248/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 St. Paul details → View Rockford details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for St. Paul and Rockford

St. Paul vs. Irvine St. Paul vs. Newark St. Paul vs. Cincinnati St. Paul vs. Pittsburgh St. Paul vs. Santa Ana St. Paul vs. Greensboro Rockford vs. Bridgeport Rockford vs. Savannah Rockford vs. Pomona Rockford vs. Denton Rockford vs. Mesquite Rockford vs. Syracuse