Cost of Living: Virginia Beach, VA vs Rockford, IL (2026)

Virginia Beach

Virginia
117
VS

Rockford

Illinois
57

Virginia Beach is 105% more expensive than Rockford.

$1,649/mo ↑ 73%
Median Rent
$954/mo ↓ 42%
$90,685/yr ↑ 70%
Median Income
$53,328/yr ↓ 41%
$366,300 ↑ 203%
Home Value
$120,900 ↓ 67%
$1,704/mo ↑ 80%
Owner Costs
$947/mo ↓ 44%
457,066
Population
147,649

Tax Comparison

5.75%
Income Tax
4.95%
5.3%
State Sales Tax
6.25%
0.8%
Property Tax
2.07%

Affordability

21.8%
rent-to-income
Affordability
21.5%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Virginia Beach, VA and Rockford, IL, the overall cost of living indices are 117 and 57 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $695/month cheaper in Rockford, saving renters about $8,340/year.

Median household income is $37,357/year higher in Virginia Beach. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Virginia Beach is $366,300 compared to $120,900 in Rockford.

Illinois has a lower income tax rate, making Rockford slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Virginia Beach vs Rockford — common questions

Is Virginia Beach or Rockford cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Rockford is cheaper to live in with an index of 57 compared to 117 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Virginia Beach and Rockford?
Median rent in Virginia Beach is $1,649/month and in Rockford it's $954/month — a difference of $695/month.
Which city has higher income, Virginia Beach or Rockford?
Median household income is $90,685 in Virginia Beach and $53,328 in Rockford. Median household income is $37,357/year higher in Virginia Beach.
How do taxes compare between Virginia and Illinois?
Virginia has 5.75% income tax, 5.3% sales tax, and 0.8% property tax. Illinois has 4.95% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 2.07% property tax.
Should I move to Virginia Beach or Rockford?
It depends on your priorities. Virginia Beach has a cost index of 117 with median rent of $1,649/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 Virginia Beach details → View Rockford details →

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