Cost of Living: Tacoma, WA vs Rockford, IL (2026)

Tacoma

Washington
126
VS

Rockford

Illinois
57

Tacoma is 121% more expensive than Rockford.

$1,597/mo ↑ 67%
Median Rent
$954/mo ↓ 40%
$83,857/yr ↑ 57%
Median Income
$53,328/yr ↓ 36%
$454,600 ↑ 276%
Home Value
$120,900 ↓ 73%
$1,747/mo ↑ 84%
Owner Costs
$947/mo ↓ 46%
220,482
Population
147,649

Tax Comparison

0%
Income Tax
4.95%
6.5%
State Sales Tax
6.25%
0.92%
Property Tax
2.07%

Affordability

22.9%
rent-to-income
Affordability
21.5%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Tacoma, WA and Rockford, IL, the overall cost of living indices are 126 and 57 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $643/month cheaper in Rockford, saving renters about $7,716/year.

Median household income is $30,529/year higher in Tacoma. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Tacoma is $454,600 compared to $120,900 in Rockford.

Washington has no state income tax, giving Tacoma residents a significant tax advantage over Illinois's 4.95% rate.

Frequently Asked Questions

Tacoma vs Rockford — common questions

Is Tacoma 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 Tacoma and Rockford?
Median rent in Tacoma is $1,597/month and in Rockford it's $954/month — a difference of $643/month.
Which city has higher income, Tacoma or Rockford?
Median household income is $83,857 in Tacoma and $53,328 in Rockford. Median household income is $30,529/year higher in Tacoma.
How do taxes compare between Washington and Illinois?
Washington has 0% income tax, 6.5% sales tax, and 0.92% property tax. Illinois has 4.95% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 2.07% property tax.
Should I move to Tacoma or Rockford?
It depends on your priorities. Tacoma has a cost index of 126 with median rent of $1,597/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 Tacoma details → View Rockford details →

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