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

Tucson

Arizona
76
VS

Rockford

Illinois
57

Tucson is 33% more expensive than Rockford.

$1,079/mo ↑ 13%
Median Rent
$954/mo ↓ 12%
$54,546/yr ↑ 2%
Median Income
$53,328/yr ↓ 2%
$242,200 ↑ 100%
Home Value
$120,900 ↓ 50%
$1,076/mo ↑ 14%
Owner Costs
$947/mo ↓ 12%
543,348
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

23.7%
rent-to-income
Affordability
21.5%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Tucson, AZ and Rockford, IL, the overall cost of living indices are 76 and 57 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $125/month cheaper in Rockford, saving renters about $1,500/year.

Median household income is $1,218/year higher in Tucson. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Tucson is $242,200 compared to $120,900 in Rockford.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Tucson vs Rockford — common questions

Is Tucson or Rockford cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Rockford is cheaper to live in with an index of 57 compared to 76 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Tucson and Rockford?
Median rent in Tucson is $1,079/month and in Rockford it's $954/month — a difference of $125/month.
Which city has higher income, Tucson or Rockford?
Median household income is $54,546 in Tucson and $53,328 in Rockford. Median household income is $1,218/year higher in Tucson.
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 Tucson or Rockford?
It depends on your priorities. Tucson has a cost index of 76 with median rent of $1,079/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 Tucson details → View Rockford details →

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