Cost of Living: St. Petersburg, FL vs Rockford, IL (2026)

St. Petersburg

Florida
106
VS

Rockford

Illinois
57

St. Petersburg is 86% more expensive than Rockford.

$1,542/mo ↑ 62%
Median Rent
$954/mo ↓ 38%
$73,118/yr ↑ 37%
Median Income
$53,328/yr ↓ 27%
$331,500 ↑ 174%
Home Value
$120,900 ↓ 64%
$1,435/mo ↑ 52%
Owner Costs
$947/mo ↓ 34%
260,646
Population
147,649

Tax Comparison

0%
Income Tax
4.95%
6.0%
State Sales Tax
6.25%
0.86%
Property Tax
2.07%

Affordability

25.3%
rent-to-income
Affordability
21.5%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing St. Petersburg, FL and Rockford, IL, the overall cost of living indices are 106 and 57 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $588/month cheaper in Rockford, saving renters about $7,056/year.

Median household income is $19,790/year higher in St. Petersburg. Home values also differ significantly — the median in St. Petersburg is $331,500 compared to $120,900 in Rockford.

Florida has no state income tax, giving St. Petersburg residents a significant tax advantage over Illinois's 4.95% rate.

Frequently Asked Questions

St. Petersburg vs Rockford — common questions

Is St. Petersburg or Rockford cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Rockford is cheaper to live in with an index of 57 compared to 106 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between St. Petersburg and Rockford?
Median rent in St. Petersburg is $1,542/month and in Rockford it's $954/month — a difference of $588/month.
Which city has higher income, St. Petersburg or Rockford?
Median household income is $73,118 in St. Petersburg and $53,328 in Rockford. Median household income is $19,790/year higher in St. Petersburg.
How do taxes compare between Florida and Illinois?
Florida has 0% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 0.86% property tax. Illinois has 4.95% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 2.07% property tax.
Should I move to St. Petersburg or Rockford?
It depends on your priorities. St. Petersburg has a cost index of 106 with median rent of $1,542/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. Petersburg details → View Rockford details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for St. Petersburg and Rockford

St. Petersburg vs. Lubbock St. Petersburg vs. Laredo St. Petersburg vs. Fort Wayne St. Petersburg vs. Irving St. Petersburg vs. Toledo St. Petersburg vs. Chesapeake Rockford vs. Bridgeport Rockford vs. Savannah Rockford vs. Pomona Rockford vs. Denton Rockford vs. Mesquite Rockford vs. Syracuse