Cost of Living: Toledo, OH vs Rockford, IL (2026)

Toledo

Ohio
52
VS

Rockford

Illinois
57

Toledo is 9% cheaper than Rockford.

$880/mo ↓ 8%
Median Rent
$954/mo ↑ 8%
$47,532/yr ↓ 11%
Median Income
$53,328/yr ↑ 12%
$107,000 ↓ 11%
Home Value
$120,900 ↑ 13%
$856/mo ↓ 10%
Owner Costs
$947/mo ↑ 11%
268,461
Population
147,649

Tax Comparison

3.5%
Income Tax
4.95%
5.75%
State Sales Tax
6.25%
1.53%
Property Tax
2.07%

Affordability

22.2%
rent-to-income
Affordability
21.5%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Toledo, OH and Rockford, IL, the overall cost of living indices are 52 and 57 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $74/month cheaper in Toledo, saving renters about $888/year.

Median household income is $5,796/year higher in Rockford. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Toledo is $107,000 compared to $120,900 in Rockford.

Ohio has a lower income tax rate, making Toledo slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Toledo vs Rockford — common questions

Is Toledo or Rockford cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Toledo is cheaper to live in with an index of 52 compared to 57 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Toledo and Rockford?
Median rent in Toledo is $880/month and in Rockford it's $954/month — a difference of $74/month.
Which city has higher income, Toledo or Rockford?
Median household income is $47,532 in Toledo and $53,328 in Rockford. Median household income is $5,796/year higher in Rockford.
How do taxes compare between Ohio and Illinois?
Ohio has 3.5% income tax, 5.75% sales tax, and 1.53% property tax. Illinois has 4.95% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 2.07% property tax.
Should I move to Toledo or Rockford?
It depends on your priorities. Toledo has a cost index of 52 with median rent of $880/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 Toledo details → View Rockford details →

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