Cost of Living: Tulsa, OK vs Rockford, IL (2026)

Tulsa

Oklahoma
67
VS

Rockford

Illinois
57

Tulsa is 18% more expensive than Rockford.

$998/mo ↑ 5%
Median Rent
$954/mo ↓ 4%
$58,407/yr ↑ 10%
Median Income
$53,328/yr ↓ 9%
$189,600 ↑ 57%
Home Value
$120,900 ↓ 36%
$1,027/mo ↑ 8%
Owner Costs
$947/mo ↓ 8%
412,322
Population
147,649

Tax Comparison

4.75%
Income Tax
4.95%
4.5%
State Sales Tax
6.25%
0.9%
Property Tax
2.07%

Affordability

20.5%
rent-to-income
Affordability
21.5%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Tulsa, OK and Rockford, IL, the overall cost of living indices are 67 and 57 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is comparable in both cities, with less than $50/month separating them.

Median household income is $5,079/year higher in Tulsa. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Tulsa is $189,600 compared to $120,900 in Rockford.

Oklahoma has a lower income tax rate, making Tulsa slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Tulsa vs Rockford — common questions

Is Tulsa or Rockford cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Rockford is cheaper to live in with an index of 57 compared to 67 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Tulsa and Rockford?
Median rent in Tulsa is $998/month and in Rockford it's $954/month — a difference of $44/month.
Which city has higher income, Tulsa or Rockford?
Median household income is $58,407 in Tulsa and $53,328 in Rockford. Median household income is $5,079/year higher in Tulsa.
How do taxes compare between Oklahoma and Illinois?
Oklahoma has 4.75% income tax, 4.5% sales tax, and 0.9% property tax. Illinois has 4.95% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 2.07% property tax.
Should I move to Tulsa or Rockford?
It depends on your priorities. Tulsa has a cost index of 67 with median rent of $998/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 Tulsa details → View Rockford details →

More Comparisons

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