Cost of Living: Vancouver, WA vs Rockford, IL (2026)

Vancouver

Washington
123
VS

Rockford

Illinois
57

Vancouver is 116% more expensive than Rockford.

$1,632/mo ↑ 71%
Median Rent
$954/mo ↓ 42%
$78,156/yr ↑ 47%
Median Income
$53,328/yr ↓ 32%
$440,300 ↑ 264%
Home Value
$120,900 ↓ 73%
$1,607/mo ↑ 70%
Owner Costs
$947/mo ↓ 41%
192,696
Population
147,649

Tax Comparison

0%
Income Tax
4.95%
6.5%
State Sales Tax
6.25%
0.92%
Property Tax
2.07%

Affordability

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

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Vancouver, WA and Rockford, IL, the overall cost of living indices are 123 and 57 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $678/month cheaper in Rockford, saving renters about $8,136/year.

Median household income is $24,828/year higher in Vancouver. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Vancouver is $440,300 compared to $120,900 in Rockford.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Vancouver vs Rockford — common questions

Is Vancouver or Rockford cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Rockford is cheaper to live in with an index of 57 compared to 123 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Vancouver and Rockford?
Median rent in Vancouver is $1,632/month and in Rockford it's $954/month — a difference of $678/month.
Which city has higher income, Vancouver or Rockford?
Median household income is $78,156 in Vancouver and $53,328 in Rockford. Median household income is $24,828/year higher in Vancouver.
How do taxes compare between Washington and Illinois?
Washington has 0% income tax, 6.5% sales tax, and 0.92% property tax. Illinois has 4.95% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 2.07% property tax.
Should I move to Vancouver or Rockford?
It depends on your priorities. Vancouver has a cost index of 123 with median rent of $1,632/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 Vancouver details → View Rockford details →

More Comparisons

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