Cost of Living: Wichita, KS vs Rockford, IL (2026)

Wichita

Kansas
65
VS

Rockford

Illinois
57

Wichita is 14% more expensive than Rockford.

$960/mo ≈ Same
Median Rent
$954/mo ≈ Same
$63,072/yr ↑ 18%
Median Income
$53,328/yr ↓ 15%
$179,500 ↑ 48%
Home Value
$120,900 ↓ 33%
$994/mo ↑ 5%
Owner Costs
$947/mo ↓ 5%
396,488
Population
147,649

Tax Comparison

5.7%
Income Tax
4.95%
6.5%
State Sales Tax
6.25%
1.41%
Property Tax
2.07%

Affordability

18.3%
rent-to-income
Affordability
21.5%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Wichita, KS and Rockford, IL, the overall cost of living indices are 65 and 57 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is comparable in both cities, with less than $50/month separating them.

Median household income is $9,744/year higher in Wichita. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Wichita is $179,500 compared to $120,900 in Rockford.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Wichita vs Rockford — common questions

Is Wichita or Rockford cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Rockford is cheaper to live in with an index of 57 compared to 65 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Wichita and Rockford?
Median rent in Wichita is $960/month and in Rockford it's $954/month — a difference of $6/month.
Which city has higher income, Wichita or Rockford?
Median household income is $63,072 in Wichita and $53,328 in Rockford. Median household income is $9,744/year higher in Wichita.
How do taxes compare between Kansas and Illinois?
Kansas has 5.7% income tax, 6.5% sales tax, and 1.41% property tax. Illinois has 4.95% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 2.07% property tax.
Should I move to Wichita or Rockford?
It depends on your priorities. Wichita has a cost index of 65 with median rent of $960/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 Wichita details → View Rockford details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Wichita and Rockford

Wichita vs. Bakersfield Wichita vs. Arlington Wichita vs. Tulsa Wichita vs. Tampa Wichita vs. Minneapolis Wichita vs. Aurora Rockford vs. Bridgeport Rockford vs. Savannah Rockford vs. Pomona Rockford vs. Denton Rockford vs. Mesquite Rockford vs. Syracuse