Cost of Living: Surprise, AZ vs Rockford, IL (2026)

Surprise

Arizona
126
VS

Rockford

Illinois
57

Surprise is 121% more expensive than Rockford.

$1,917/mo ↑ 101%
Median Rent
$954/mo ↓ 50%
$93,371/yr ↑ 75%
Median Income
$53,328/yr ↓ 43%
$396,000 ↑ 228%
Home Value
$120,900 ↓ 69%
$1,587/mo ↑ 68%
Owner Costs
$947/mo ↓ 40%
149,519
Population
147,649

Tax Comparison

2.5%
Income Tax
4.95%
5.6%
State Sales Tax
6.25%
0.62%
Property Tax
2.07%

Affordability

24.6%
rent-to-income
Affordability
21.5%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Surprise, AZ and Rockford, IL, the overall cost of living indices are 126 and 57 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $963/month cheaper in Rockford, saving renters about $11,556/year.

Median household income is $40,043/year higher in Surprise. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Surprise is $396,000 compared to $120,900 in Rockford.

Arizona has a lower income tax rate, making Surprise slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Surprise vs Rockford — common questions

Is Surprise or Rockford cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Rockford is cheaper to live in with an index of 57 compared to 126 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Surprise and Rockford?
Median rent in Surprise is $1,917/month and in Rockford it's $954/month — a difference of $963/month.
Which city has higher income, Surprise or Rockford?
Median household income is $93,371 in Surprise and $53,328 in Rockford. Median household income is $40,043/year higher in Surprise.
How do taxes compare between Arizona and Illinois?
Arizona has 2.5% income tax, 5.6% sales tax, and 0.62% property tax. Illinois has 4.95% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 2.07% property tax.
Should I move to Surprise or Rockford?
It depends on your priorities. Surprise has a cost index of 126 with median rent of $1,917/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 Surprise details → View Rockford details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Surprise and Rockford

Surprise vs. Joliet Surprise vs. Naperville Surprise vs. Jackson Surprise vs. Pasadena Surprise vs. Escondido Surprise vs. Mesquite Rockford vs. Bridgeport Rockford vs. Savannah Rockford vs. Pomona Rockford vs. Denton Rockford vs. Mesquite Rockford vs. Syracuse