Cost of Living: Tampa, FL vs Rockford, IL (2026)

Tampa

Florida
113
VS

Rockford

Illinois
57

Tampa is 98% more expensive than Rockford.

$1,567/mo ↑ 64%
Median Rent
$954/mo ↓ 39%
$71,302/yr ↑ 34%
Median Income
$53,328/yr ↓ 25%
$375,300 ↑ 210%
Home Value
$120,900 ↓ 68%
$1,553/mo ↑ 64%
Owner Costs
$947/mo ↓ 39%
393,389
Population
147,649

Tax Comparison

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

Affordability

26.4%
rent-to-income
Affordability
21.5%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Tampa, FL and Rockford, IL, the overall cost of living indices are 113 and 57 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $613/month cheaper in Rockford, saving renters about $7,356/year.

Median household income is $17,974/year higher in Tampa. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Tampa is $375,300 compared to $120,900 in Rockford.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Tampa vs Rockford — common questions

Is Tampa or Rockford cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Rockford is cheaper to live in with an index of 57 compared to 113 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Tampa and Rockford?
Median rent in Tampa is $1,567/month and in Rockford it's $954/month — a difference of $613/month.
Which city has higher income, Tampa or Rockford?
Median household income is $71,302 in Tampa and $53,328 in Rockford. Median household income is $17,974/year higher in Tampa.
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 Tampa or Rockford?
It depends on your priorities. Tampa has a cost index of 113 with median rent of $1,567/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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