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

Tempe

Arizona
120
VS

Rockford

Illinois
57

Tempe is 111% more expensive than Rockford.

$1,623/mo ↑ 70%
Median Rent
$954/mo ↓ 41%
$77,643/yr ↑ 46%
Median Income
$53,328/yr ↓ 31%
$421,900 ↑ 249%
Home Value
$120,900 ↓ 71%
$1,554/mo ↑ 64%
Owner Costs
$947/mo ↓ 39%
186,419
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

25.1%
rent-to-income
Affordability
21.5%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Tempe, AZ and Rockford, IL, the overall cost of living indices are 120 and 57 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $669/month cheaper in Rockford, saving renters about $8,028/year.

Median household income is $24,315/year higher in Tempe. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Tempe is $421,900 compared to $120,900 in Rockford.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Tempe vs Rockford — common questions

Is Tempe or Rockford cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Rockford is cheaper to live in with an index of 57 compared to 120 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Tempe and Rockford?
Median rent in Tempe is $1,623/month and in Rockford it's $954/month — a difference of $669/month.
Which city has higher income, Tempe or Rockford?
Median household income is $77,643 in Tempe and $53,328 in Rockford. Median household income is $24,315/year higher in Tempe.
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 Tempe or Rockford?
It depends on your priorities. Tempe has a cost index of 120 with median rent of $1,623/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 Tempe details → View Rockford details →

More Comparisons

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